The University of Akron’s Art Bomb Brigade turns inward to find and magnify the talent within its own walls. For the latest effort, UA art students developed a 2,400-square-foot mural aimed at channeling the innovative nature of Echogen Power Systems into a colossal piece of public artwork for downtown Akron. Echogen is one of the leading businesses in the field of waste-heat to power conversion.
Twenty-three students from the Myers School of Art working on the project vary from art educators and studio artists to graduate student arts administrators. This is the first time that Art Bomb is working with students to generate original mural designs for the project.
Elly Dallas, a UA art student in the “Mastering the Mural” course, says that, “murals have the power to inspire, rebuild and transform communities.”
UA student Lindsey Mitchell puts her paintbrush to good use on the Art Bomb Brigade's latest mural.
Lindsey Mitchell, whose design was selected for the final mural, says, “I am so excited to lead my peers in creating a prominent landmark for our city.”
Rooted in the heart of downtown Akron on Lock 1, Echogen has made its home in the old “Hamlin Steel” building. Situated near 69 Taps, Diamond Deli and Bricco, Art Bomb and Echogen hope to redefine Akron in the downtown food and bar district by bringing giant bursts of color to parts of the city that are under recognized.
Philip Brennan, CEO of Echogen, says, “We realized we had a blank canvas on the property. After being introduced by Kyle Kutuchief, program director for the Knight Foundation, to other work Art Bomb completed, we approached them about a mural. We believe it is important to be an active participant in our community and to support the development and celebration of the arts, whenever possible.”
Winner of the 2016 Knight Arts Challenge, the Art Bomb Brigade has already completed three murals, soliciting local artists to work with UA’s students to develop and paint high impact murals. The murals have become part of the local fabric in the region — at the Downtown Laundromat, Chill Ice Cream Company and the Akron Sustainer.
The Art Bomb Brigade is working on the mural now through Wednesday, May 10. All Akronites, mural enthusiasts and visitors are encouraged to come check it out.
An unveiling party at the site of the mural will be hosted by the Art Bomb Brigade and Echogen on Thursday, May 11, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the corner of Exchange and Water streets on Lock 1.
The celebration will feature live music from Red Rose Panic, local legend DJ Larry hosting a karaoke party, and refreshments from Square Scullery, Western Fruit Basket and Akron Coffee Roasters, and local arts, craft and clothing vendors.
To learn more, visit the Myers School of Art online and the Art Bomb Brigade on Facebook.
Media contacts: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu; or Elisa Gargarella, 330-972-8325 or gelisa@uakron.edu.