Third Annual Mural Fest Fast Facts
Where: Three murals will be located along 1st St. SW and five smaller murals will be located along 1st Street SE in the Route 66 Cultural District.
Theme: Each artist chooses what they want to paint under the guidelines of family-friendly art.
Artists: Oklahoma City artists include Jurri, Cassie Stover, Kris Kanaly, Holey Kids, Brady Scott and Virginia Ann Stizes; Tulsa artist Chris Mantle; and Miami artist Jessica Stout.
Selecting Artists: The artists are curated through the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating and creating public art in Oklahoma. OMS was founded by Brandi Guthery, Dylan Broadway and Kris Kanaly, born out of a necessity to fund the Plaza Walls, a rotating mural project launched in September 2015 as an urban revitalization project in the Plaza District of Oklahoma City.
Miami’s Magnificent Mural Fest Set to Showcase Artistic Talent
An amazing, magical display of awe-inspiring art appealing to all ages returns to Miami, Oklahoma, later this month with the community’s third annual Mural Fest 66 Saturday, April 27 from 10 am-4 pm.
Marcia Johnson, president of the Miami Arts and Humanities Council, explains Mural Fest “is part of our work to develop our (Route) 66 Cultural District by creating art events that will attract tourism.
“We do this by developing our identity, centering on our art and cultural assets, and by increasing our capacity to develop and expand arts and cultural program and events in the Cultural District. We are a small community, and murals have a big impact.”
There will be a host of festivities throughout the six hours of Mural Fest, including “art activities, including Route 66 Car Art, a children’s make and take and face painting, games including giant Jenga and corn hole, and a huge inflatable fire truck slide for little ones,” says Johnson.
“There will be performances by Miami Little Theatre, Miami High School Band, NEO Concert Choir, NEO Norwegian Legion, Johnny Zibert Band and Grand Lake Jazz Combo will go on throughout the day.
“There will be food trucks and vendors, including Jumpin’ John’s Tacos, Smokin’ Odie’s BBQ, Sodexo, Pies to the People, Not-Your-Grandma’s Cupcakes, Sweet Sarah’s Bakery and The Frozen Elephant.
“In addition, we will have an art market where regional artists can display and sell their art. Some artists offer mini classes such as designing a little tea-cup garden or painting a small canvas.”
There really is plenty to see and do, and Johnson suggests Mural Fest is alluring to local residents and visitors because, “People become engaged in the event when they can see the artists at work. Some people ask questions, and some people just want to watch.
“There are lot of activities, performances and good food available, as well. Some may feel motivated to buy art from the art market, and others may be inspired to create their own art.
“I think there is also just a huge ‘cool factor’ involved. I’ve had college students stop me at Walmart to say this is the best thing that has happened in this town.”
A number of organizations and individuals helped make Mural Fest a reality in 2017.
“The Miami Arts and Humanities Council (is) the lead organization who started this event and continues to oversee it.
“We work closely with our partners, the Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Miami. We also brought together a group of hard-working volunteers who have become as passionate about the event as we are.
“This is my hometown. I am proud to be a part of something that will make people fall in love with Miami, Oklahoma.”