MARQUETTE - The City of Marquette and Downtown Development Authority held a public viewing of the Marquette Matters Mural Project in the Marquette Commons Tuesday evening.
"It was a very positive experience for everyone involved," said Lea Dziesinski, the organizer of the project and the Marquette Arts and Culture programming coordinator.
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs' new grant program, called New Leaders Art Council of Michigan, awarded the City of Marquette a $2,500 grant for the project. After the grant was awarded, a call was put out to artists in the Upper Peninsula for design submissions for the Marquette Matters Mural Project.
Article Photos
A reception for the Marquette Matters Mural Project was held at the commons in downtown Marquette this week. Local artist Elisabeth Genske created 10 designs painted by more than 120 youth volunteers. It took three days to paint all 10 panels. The panels will be up until November. (Journal photo by Matt Keiser)
The only criteria for the design was it must represent the idea of a "superior" quality of life.
"The artist had quite a bit of creative freedom, they just had to express why Marquette is a great place to live," Dziesinski said.
The Arts and Culture Advisory committee viewed the submissions and picked the top three artists.
The community was invited to the Peter White Public Library to view the submissions and pick their favorite ones.
The winner was Elisabeth Genske, a senior from Iola, Wis., majoring in art education at Northern Michigan University.
Genske, along with 120 people ages 5 to 21, spent July 11-13 painting 10 of Genske's designs.
"The first day of painting my designs with the children was challenging, but after that, I really enjoyed the time I spent with them," Genske said.
The mural designs will be displayed on poles in the commons area through November.
Mike Waite provide musical entertainment during the reception at the commons Tuesday.
Matt Keiser can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 256.