Latest news with #MuralFest
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Painting a New Vision for Residents
Residents of the long term care at Shaunavon Hospital & Care Facility are enjoying a new feature wall that has been painted by local mural artist, Andrew Robertson. Both the process and the final product were enjoyable for residents. Robertson was commissioned by the local facility to create a design and paint a mural on a wall in the TV room. Local health care staff members Pamela Bahnuick and Jessica Smith spearheaded the project which was funded through donations. Bahnuick is also a member of the Town Council. After hearing Robertson's presentation to Council about the 2nd Annual South West Mural Fest that he is planning for July 16-20, Bahnuick wondered if he might consider painting a mural at the care facility. Several mural artists, including Robertson, painted murals on buildings throughout the downtown area for last year's Mural Fest. Robertson agreed to paint a mural at the long term care and presented a few mock-ups for consideration. The final design depicts a farmyard and prairie landscape and it took about five days to complete. Both the final product and the process were of interest to residents. Robertson says, 'Residents watched throughout the process and I had some great conversations with them. I loved hearing their reactions each day.' He adds, 'There is such positivity at the long term care. I would overhear interactions between staff and residents; the staff is so positive and respectful to the residents. The experience has given me a new perspective on aging. All people deserve to have art and excellent care as they get older.' Bahnuick says, 'Some of the residents have had the opportunity to see the murals in the community and now all of them can see this one everyday.' The facility was able to provide one-on-one art activities for residents in the past through funding from the New Horizons for Seniors grant. Bahnuick says, 'We weren't successful in receiving that funding this past year, but we're hoping we can get the program again in the future. We know that it benefited residents. They got a lot out of the one-on-one interaction in a small group setting and it appealed to some of our residents who may not be as interested in some of our other activities. They are definitely missing it-there's nothing like having an artist…an outside person…coming in to interact with the residents.' Robertson is pleased to have his work featured at the Shaunavon facility and hopes that more Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facilities might consider commissioning him. 'I'd love to do more of this type of work. This mural will be featured in some SHA publications, so the word will get out.' Bahnuick shared photos of the mural on social media and SHA contacted her right away to learn more about the project. The mural is the latest addition to the facility which is helping to provide a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for its 44 residents and visitors, alike. Salem, the cat, is very popular and the volunteer group Bee Hive Garden Keepers have developed beautiful outdoor spaces. Fundraising for a multisensory room has been ongoing and Bahnuick says they are very close to their goal which will see additional components added which can be enjoyed by residents and their families and can be a great activity to enjoy with children or grandchildren. Christ the King School students recently visited to read with residents and the Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre hosted their June Coffee Chat at the facility. Their next event is a Strawberry Tea which will be held on Friday, June 20. This event will raise some of the final funds required to complete the multisensory room. Bahnuick encourages community members to stop by. 'Everyone is welcome at any time. Come and see the mural and have a visit. It's an inviting atmosphere and people leave with the feeling of wanting to come back.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Take a tour inside downtown South Salt Lake's ‘first major development'
Makayla Wade points to the paintings and other artwork placed throughout the double-height lobby within the One Burton, one of Utah's newest apartment complexes. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol prints, along with work from other artists from the middle of the 20th century, are plastered on the walls next to a conference room and remote work space on the top half of the lobby. A chic clock adorns the wall next to the stairs leading to those spaces, which is near an entrance that pays homage to the old Kutcher's Resort in upstate New York that rose to prominence during that era. 'It's very midcentury modern. That's kind of the inspiration for everything,' says Wade, the complex's community manager, as she leads a tour around the property. Dubbed downtown South Salt Lake's 'first major development' by project leaders and a 'significant milestone' by South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood, it's clear from the moment anyone steps in that art is a heavy focus inside the eight-story, 180-unit mixed-use development. There's art on every floor and a small art gallery space on the fourth floor featuring rotating art pieces on television screens to keep things fresh. Even its exterior oozes art, as a large mural was painted on one of its sides as part of South Salt Lake's annual Mural Fest earlier this year, and a few other murals from past festivals are located nearby. The complex also comes with the same types of amenities common in other newly constructed apartment complexes, such as a community hot tub, game room, fitness center, coworking spaces and pet washing area. There's also a dog park set aside for the residents' best friends. Its units are a mix of studio to two-bedroom options, each coming with a washer and dryer, walk-in closets and wider space than many units. There's also enough parking for every resident, along with space for bikes. Located on the corner of Main Street and Burton Avenue (2360 South), it's also located near a Utah Transit Authority S-Line station. Three retail spaces are still under construction. Wade said a hairstyling business is slated to open in one of them, while management is also close to finalizing a deal to bring in a restaurant. Rental costs range from $1,390 to $3,575 per month. While the first residents began moving in last month, project and South Salt Lake leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate its completion, which they say marks a milestone for the city. The $50 million project started as the New York-based Abstract Development Group toured sites for potential development in Salt Lake County, sometime after forming in 2020. Developers fell in love with the corner of Burton Avenue and Main Street, which felt both 'underappreciated' and 'blossoming with potential,' said Jason Algaze, a principal at the firm. They particularly enjoyed the Mural Fest artwork and the creative reuse of industrial spaces nearby. Getting One Burton off the ground wasn't without its challenges, though. Development and construction required coordination with YesCo to move around an I-80 billboard in the area so that it wouldn't be intrusive to future residents, he said. That's on top of the other challenges all development projects have faced in recent years, such as rising costs. But the final product is essentially a love letter to the growing neighborhood. The Kutcher's Resort references are a nod to resorts in upstate New York, also providing an outdoorsy vibe for the mountains in the background, Algaze explained. The art plays into the city's growing scene, which also received another boost on Wednesday. Abstract Development presented the South Salt Lake Arts Council with a $2,000 donation before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 'I personally think this is like the creative side of Salt Lake or definitely will be, so we wanted to make sure we did something nice,' he said. South Salt Lake leaders called One Burton a 'foundational' piece of downtown South Salt Lake's downtown plans when construction began in 2022. And views from the top will soon offer a unique vantage point of what's to come in the surrounding area. The growing city has received additional redevelopment interest since then. It's located within a block or two of a large field where the development company Blaser Ventures has placed signs advertising a massive new development that seeks to bring about 500 affordable units and additional retail space to the area within the next few years. South Salt Lake leaders say that's just the beginning, too, as they carry out their downtown vision that began about 15 years ago. Growth in this section has already contributed to the city's 12% population rise since then. 'This is the first of many projects that will transform our community,' Wood said.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Astra Tower unintentionally became Utah's tallest building with the state's largest mural
SALT LAKE CITY — Ed Lewis never intended to construct Utah's tallest building when his company began planning Astra Tower some seven years ago. The high-rise was supposed to mirror a 27-story building that Kensington Investment Company constructed in Boston. However, designers needed to add height to account for the smaller lot size. Then, after compiling a market study, he found that they needed to add more parking to account for future renters who like to drive to locations all across the region. Adding a service elevator on the north side of the building required more height to account for 35 lost units. Add it all up, and Kensington's building suddenly became 41 stories and 451 feet high, pushing it past the 422-foot Wells Fargo Center to become the tallest building in downtown Salt Lake City and the state. 'I'm really freaking proud it came out that way and turned out the way that it did,' said Lewis, Kensington's CEO, as he stood outside of the building Tuesday morning, reflecting on the journey. Residents began moving into Astra Tower late last summer, but only about half of the building's floors were complete at the time. More units have gone online in phases since, along with other amenities, leading to a ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the project's total completion. All the building's changes unintentionally led to a massive, eight-story wall that felt very blank as residents started moving in. Kensington explored the idea of turning its western wall into a giant projector screen, but it ultimately settled on a partnership with the Salt Lake City Arts Council on a plan to fill about 13,000 square feet of space with paint. They reached out to artists seeking to take on what would ultimately become the state's largest mural, which generated at least a few dozen submissions. That's where they came across Miles Toland and Joseph Toney, a pair of muralists whose work has popped up all over the world. Toney, who lives in Utah, and Toland befriended each other during South Salt Lake's Mural Fest a few years ago. They kept in touch and, when they saw the artist request come in, they started talking about collaborating on a design. 'We did know how large it was gonna be, and that was part of the excitement behind the project,' Toney told recalling the origin. All of the artists were given the freedom to design whatever they wanted. Toney and Toland bounced around pencil sketches nearly a dozen times before they pieced together four designs. One concept ultimately featured human hands forming out of clouds and mountains, locking hands up over a lake. A few migratory birds are flying above, next to an immense orange moon, all of which is meant to symbolize the cooperation and collaboration across different groups needed to address the stewardship of Utah's natural beauty. It quickly won over the developers, fitting into what they wanted from the space. 'I think it represents the local geography,' Lewis said. Toland and Toney started working on the mural last month, using about 70 gallons of paint and another 20 gallons of varnish. They estimate they also went through about 100 spray paint cans over four weeks to slowly turn the giant blank wall into a massive art piece. A record-breaking piece at that. 'It's an honor to know that our work is at this scale,' Toland said. 'The largest wall might be a temporary title but an exciting title nonetheless for the time being.' Astra Tower now boasts the tallest building and largest mural in the state, while its air quality beacon, installed earlier this year, is a first of its kind in the nation. It also adds 377 units of various sizes, ranging from studio to three bedrooms, to a city looking for housing. Lewis estimates that about 35% of the building is already occupied, but it expects to reach about 95% by the summer of 2026. It won't add to the city's affordable housing stock, but the project adds much-needed housing of all types as the city continues to grow, said Blake Thomas, senior advisor on real estate and capital projects for Salt Lake City. He also sees Astra Tower as a testament to the type of development coming Salt Lake City's way. And as more redevelopment occurs across downtown, it's only a matter of time before other Astra Tower records are broken — intentionally or not. 'I'm sure this is a record that will probably be broken,' Thomas said, as he glanced up at the building. 'Knowing the need that we have and thinking of the highest and best use of our land, I'm excited for this to be a record-breaking day and for future records to be broken.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Connection and belonging': South Salt Lake Mural Fest returning this weekend
SOUTH SALT LAKE () — South Salt Lake Arts Council's eighth annual Mural Fest is coming up this weekend, featuring 13 new murals and the largest one ever painted in South Salt Lake. According to the South Salt Lake Arts Council, both local and international muralists will be presenting their art in the festival. On May 10, there will be an official 'unveiling' from 4-8 p.m., where the public will get a chance to walk a mural route and meet and greet with the artists. There will also be a community celebration at Bowers Way and West Temple, filled with live music, food trucks, interactive art activities, and vendors. Benson Boone to close out 'American Heart' tour at the Delta Center this fall 'South Salt Lake proudly hosts the state's largest collection of outdoor murals, offering everyone free access to remarkable art that highlights our Downtown. Our murals have become more than just paintings on buildings — they uplift spirits, foster community connections, and position South Salt Lake as a cultural hotspot in the Salt Lake Valley. Each May, we eagerly anticipate Mural Fest, as thousands come together to celebrate. I warmly welcome everyone to join us,' said Mayor Cherie Wood in a press release. The South Salt Lake Arts Council shares that one of the most anticipated artists this year is RISK, who founded the West Coast graffiti scene. His resume includes painting sets for musicians, such as Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Aerosmith, as well as commercial work with Budweiser, and an art project in the 2012 Summer Olympics. In addition, they shared that an exciting location for one of the murals this year is South Salt Lake City Hall. Muralist DAAS from Austin, Texas, will be returning to finish a mural he started on the back side of the City Hall building last year. He will continue his work along the north and west walls. It's expected to be a 9,000 square foot mural of 'living landscape' on the only City Hall in Utah covered in public art. 'I believe that large-scale murals and public art have the power to bring people together and inspire a sense of community,' said DAAS in the release. 'I strive to create art that not only catches the eye but also evokes a sense of connection and belonging.' For a map, parking details, and more, visit the Utah students raise and release trout in hands-on learning program Cam Rising announces retirement from football Utah judge to determine if convicted killer on death row for nearly 40 years can be executed due to dementia Texas congressman questions immigration policies Lawmakers work to protect IVF rights Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New food truck to debut in downtown Dayton this May
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A new food truck is coming to downtown Dayton this May. The Dayton Street Snacks truck will debut on Friday, May 2, at Front Street Studios, 1001 E. 2nd St. Brick City Mural Festival to feature 80+ artists and live demos Owners Alisha Bergsten and Brian Johnson said they're excited bring fresh options to the community. 'Dayton Street Snacks is all about fun times and tasty food,' said Johnson. 'We have been having a lot of fun coming up with our starting menu full of snacks and entrees. We can't wait for people to try everything.' Johnson said their rotating menu will be eclectic. 'Our starting menu is full of both traditional and off-the-wall menu items like omelets, cheddar bae biscuit sliders, wings, cinnamon rolls on a stick, and more,' said Johnson. 'The menu will probably rotate quite a bit this year as we experiment and try new items out.' This debut will be durning the art studio's First Friday and ARTebration events. 'We're incredibly grateful to Richard and Samantha at Front Street Studios for inviting us to host our grand opening as part of their big weekend of events,' Johnson said. 'We can't wait to be set up next to a group of our fellow food trucks all day long on Saturday during the Brunch Food Truck Rally and Mural Fest. It will be great to start building our customer base and community with so much creativity around us.' To learn more about the Dayton Street Snacks grand opening, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
