The Kenosha Murals Project will host a Block Party, a vibrant celebration of public art and community engagement, on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 624 57th St. Admission is free and open to the public.
This family-friendly event promises a day filled with activities, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with local artists and organizations. Attendees can also witness tentative murals being painted during the Block Party.
The Kenosha Murals Project seeks to complete nine murals on walls in downtown Kenosha to attract local residents and tourists, to celebrate Kenosha’s history and culture, and inspire the community. The project is made possible through the cooperation and partnership of Kenosha Creative Space, the City of Kenosha, the Kenosha Community Foundation, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades-District Council No. 7, Liftpro LLC of Kenosha, JDR Painting of Kenosha, and Rust-Oleum Corporation, which also donated its Artist Line of Rust-O® Spray Paint for the project.
Rust-Oleum is thrilled to support the project: “Every community has a story. Rust-Oleum wants to help transform blank walls into powerful art with its Spray It Forward mural program,” said Megan Newton, director of product management for spray paints at Rust-Oleum. “This impactful initiative brings together artists and nonprofits to celebrate creativity, cultural storytelling, and meaningful neighborhood connections by bringing bold visions to life using Rust-O spray paint.”
About the Murals
A 5,000 square-foot mural titled “Place of the Pike” featuring the iconic Kenosha lakefront is Rust-Oleum’s first “Spray It Forward” mural in Wisconsin and a stunning example of how big dreams, vibrant art, and collaborative action can uplift a community.
Three of the nine planned murals have already been completed: The “Place of the Pike,” by artist Julio Loyola, of Mexico City, Mexico, painted on the east side of the former First National Bank Building, 625 57th St.; “The Kenosha Kraken,” by artist Leeanna Chipana, Kenosha, on the west wall of Modern Apothecary, 5700 Sixth Ave.; and “Proudly Made in Kenosha,” designed by Kevin Hannaman and painted by artist Dean Tawwater, Kenosha, on the south wall of the former Kenosha Theater, Sixth Avenue and 60th Street.
The additional murals, which will be completed when funds are raised, are:
- K-Town, by artist Kelly Witte, Kenosha
- Community Mural Painting Workshop, led by artists Don Krumpos and Erin LaBonte of Yonder, an art space, Algoma, Wis.
- Frida y Diego en Kenosha: Un Beso para el Futuro, by artist Mauricio Ramerez, Milwaukee
- The River Remembers, by artist Sylvia Hect, Osceola, Wis.
- The Wooly Mammoth, by artist Drew Etienne, Indianapolis, Ind.
- A work to be designed in cooperation with the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism and community members, by artist Tia Richardson, Milwaukee.
Event Highlights
Live Music
- Malcolm Wright Music, 1-3 p.m., and
- Spirit Shakers, 5-7 p.m.
Food Vendors
- Aragon Tacos Borrachos
- Mr. Wings, and
- Rica Arepa
Interactive Art Stations
Participate in creative activities such as a Coloring Book Tent and Live Mural Painting directed by Resa Willis.
Workshops
Attend the Mural Movie Screening/Workshop by Milwaukee Mural Artist, Tia Richardson
Merchandise Tent
Shop for unique items, including Kenosha Murals T-Shirts, Dean Tawwater T-Shirts, Julio Loyola’s T-Shirts, and Leanna Chipana’s T-Shirts.
Community Booths
Explore booths from organizations like Rust-Oleum, Festival Orgullo Hispano, and Hot Mess Studios.
For more information about the Kenosha Murals Project Block Party, visit kenoshamurals.org or contact info@kenoshamurals.org.
