Midtown Murals Project
In The News
Rising from the asphalt like a mystic fruit label is the inaugural mural of the Midtown
Mural project. Its deep blue and orange frame seems to pop out at admirers as their eyes
focus to the center of the beautifully faded image of the old Alhambra Theatre and the
young Sacramentan waving good-bye to the structure. Mural Project coordinator and Midtown resident Jim Cooper hopes to have a similar
positive effect at the next project site — this time on the Flower Concepts building on the south side of J Street between
22nd and 23rd Streets.
‘This site may be best recognized as the home to See’s Candies," said Cooper of the building owned by Andre Moniea. This next mural will be facing west, people driving from downtown should be able to get a real good look at it as they drive by."
 | Community from artist Stephan Bauer." |
"The image of the Alhambra, I consider to be a gift to thisBut, what they will see has yet to be determined. Cooper said that this piece should be more visible than the last and will require a larger budget, in the neighborhood of $10,000.
"Our project committee (of
Midtown business owners and residents) will do another call for artists and run the
selection process," said Cooper, who also mentioned that they are seeking input from
the community to determine the theme of the mural.
The first mural of the series, completed on December 5 and located on 25th Street between J and K Streets (behind Art Ellis), is a product of the support of many local individuals, businesses and services.
The image of the Alhambra, I consider to be a gift to this community from artist Stephan Bauer," said Cooper.
In addition to the donated energies of Bauer, Cooper mentioned large contributions from Jimboy’s Tacos, Paragary’s restaurants, ICI Deluxe Paints, Foxy’s on J Street, Metro Graphics and support from Council member Steve
Cohn’s office and the Friends of the Arts Commission are amongst the more than 50 backers of the project.
"We’re also talking to Regional Transit to tie the mural into the DASH bus service," said Cooper of the free bus service that runs from downtown, up J Street to the CSUS campus.
‘There will be information on the project in the interior of the bus, and we’re hoping to have the mural’s image on the outside as well," Cooper added. Cooper senses that interest for the project is growing and hopes that it is enough to raise the $10,000 needed for the next mural.
If you are a potential donor, artist or would like to share your ideas, please call Jim Cooper at 448-8517.