StreetSpark program brings art murals to Hamilton

This just in from the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and the City of Hamilton... And our little "birdhouse" on Second Street started it all!!!

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts has partnered with the City of Hamilton on a new public art program entitled, StreetSpark. StreetSpark will bring new murals to the streets of Hamilton by the summer of 2016. These new murals will enhance the city’s visual appeal and connect

residents, businesses, and visitors with the arts.

Ian MacKenzie-Thurley, Director of the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, said, “StreetSpark will be another way we identify Hamilton as a strong arts community. The city is becoming well known for its commitment to the arts between initiatives such as the Hamilton Artspace Lofts and the

City of Sculpture. We plan to continue to foster this identity by helping execute what I personally believe will be one of the best mural programs in the region.”

“I see great potential for this program with the partnership between the City and the Fitton Center,” said City Manager Joshua Smith. “The Parks Conservancy mural completely transformed their building. This is another way in which we are working to improve our appearance and support the arts in Hamilton.”

An initial mural was painted in summer of 2015 on the façade of the Hamilton Parks Conservancy building located at 106 N. 2nd Street, opposite the Hamilton Central YMCA.

Similarly, the next three designs will be chosen by a selection committee to complement the community and showcase the creativity of area artists.

Murals are already a part of many urban landscapes and have been promoted by municipalities such as Philadelphia and Portland. A Call to Artists will be released in January 2016, at which time local artists are encouraged to submit their designs to be considered for the next

StreetSpark Mural.

StreetSpark is currently seeking applicants to join the Design Selection Committee, encouraging arts professionals and enthusiasts to apply for consideration by December 28. Please visit fittoncenter.org/streetspark or contact Jennifer Acus-Smith, Director of Education & Outreach

at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, at (513) 863-8873 ext. 132 or by email at: jennifer@fittoncenter.org to learn more about this exciting new program!