Joplin's Spirit Tree

Props to Joplin's The Tank [puhb-lik] Art Group that emerged out of the "The Butterfly Effect: Dreams Take Flight" mural project last year. In addition to mosaics near 22nd and Pearl and an exhibition at Instant Karma restaurant, the group has recently been working on the "Spirit Tree" near  20th and Kansas where a Dillons store stood before the tornado. Inspired by Ashley Bilke's Native American 'spirit stick' high school project, the leafless 40 foot tree is being given new life and meaning by Tank members who are painting its surface in glorious colors. It's a beautiful gesture. Go see it if you can.

Arkansas Mural Project announced

BREAKING NEWS from the Mid-America Arts Alliance...

In partnership with the Arkansas Arts Council, M-AAA is offering one Arkansas community a unique opportunity to participate in a community-based mural project during the summer/fall of 2012. This project will offer residents direct hands-on experience in the research, design, and execution of major public artworks for their community. The Community Mural Project will be guided by nationally recognized muralist Dave Loewenstein who will be in residence (along with 1-2 mural assistants) in the selected community for approximately two months. Work on the mural will be open to anyone in the community who wishes to participate, regardless of artistic experience. The result of these efforts will be a site-specific mural of the highest quality that reflects the history, culture, and/or the concerns of the city, town and / or neighborhood. Proposal deadline: May 15, 2012. DEADLINE EXTENDED: Proposals are now being accepted until Friday, June 1. Click here to read the complete Request for Proposals (RFP) document.

 

In addition, in partnership with the Arkansas Arts Council, M-AAA is offering one individual a unique opportunity as an apprentice on the Arkansas Mural Project during the summer/fall of 2012. This apprenticeship offers direct hands-on experience in the research, design, and execution of a major public artwork. The mural apprentice will be involved from the earliest stages of the project through its completion, and introduced to the various skills required to shape successful community murals. The apprentice must make a two-month commitment to the project between August and October and will receive a $2,000 stipend. Application deadline: June 1, 2012. Click here to read the complete application.