LYNN — On the heels of a summer mural festival that brought thousands of visitors to the downtown, organizers say they are ready to do it again next year.
“The feedback from Lynners was overwhelmingly positive,” said Al Wilson, founder of Beyond Walls. “Artists told us they felt extremely welcomed and they’ve shared that with fellow artists. As a result, the city has made a name for itself among street artists.”
In July, Beyond Walls commissioned 20 international and local artists to produce 15 large-scale murals on buildings throughout Lynn’s Cultural District in 10 days. The artists used more than 4,000 cans of spray paint and 350 gallons of liquid paint to replace brick walls with works of art.
Artists from the 2017 festival were selected based on their talent and if their cultural identity matched residents in Lynn. Muralists originating from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cambodia and Australia were brought to Lynn along with top artists from Lynn’s graffiti art scene of the 80’s and 90’s.
Now, the outdoor art extravaganza is seeking new street artists from around the world as well as local talent and 15 new building canvases to paint.
“It’s important for us to capture the essence of what makes this community great,” Wilson said. “This time we want to make sure we have Brazilian, Greek, and Irish artists.”
The artists are paid $1,000. In addition, they receive a $450 Visa preloaded cash card and the project provides paint, and pays for transportation.
For more information contact Beyond Walls website or email [email protected].
