Kenosha Reporter

The Kenosha Murals Project will hold a Block Party on Saturday, August 23, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 624 57th St., offering free admission to the public.

The event aims to bring together families and community members for a day of activities, live music, and opportunities to meet local artists. Attendees will also be able to see murals being painted during the event.

The Kenosha Murals Project plans to complete nine murals in downtown Kenosha as a way to draw both residents and visitors, honor local history and culture, and encourage community participation. The project is supported by several organizations including 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.

Rust-Oleum has contributed its Artist Line of spray paint for use in the murals. Megan Newton, director of product management for spray paints at Rust-Oleum said: “Every community has a story. Rust-Oleum wants to help transform blank walls into powerful art with its Spray It Forward mural program. 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.”

One major mural featured is “Place of the Pike,” covering 5,000 square feet and showing the Kenosha lakefront. This is Rust-Oleum’s first “Spray It Forward” mural in Wisconsin.

So far three murals have been completed: “Place of the Pike” by Julio Loyola; “The Kenosha Kraken” by Leeanna Chipana; and “Proudly Made in Kenosha,” designed by Kevin Hannaman and painted by Dean Tawwater.

Other planned works include contributions from artists Kelly Witte; Don Krumpos and Erin LaBonte; Mauricio Ramerez; Sylvia Hect; Drew Etienne; and Tia Richardson working with the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism.

Block Party highlights will include live performances from Malcolm Wright Music (1-3 p.m.) and Spirit Shakers (5-7 p.m.), food vendors such as Aragon Tacos Borrachos, Mr. Wings, and Rica Arepa, interactive art stations led by Resa Willis, workshops including a screening led by Tia Richardson, merchandise tents selling artist-designed t-shirts, as well as booths from organizations like Festival Orgullo Hispano and Hot Mess Studios.

More information can be found at kenoshamurals.org or through [email protected].