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Colorful new mural crowns Center for the ArtsDesign reflects teamwork and community
Mural artist Erik Pearson has completed work on a 2,500-square-foot "canvas" on the exterior flyloft of the Center for the Arts, located on the northeast exterior corner of Bloomington Civic Plaza. Scaffolding was installed and the artist began working to install the mural in late June, completing the project in mid-August. A dedication and unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, October 6, during the last session of this year's Farmers Market.  Artist Erik Pearson at work. Pearson's creative processPearson approaches the mural in the same manner as his paintings. Starting with a dark base coat, he maps out his sketch, lays down heavy black expressive lines and then builds layers of color on top, working from the darkest to the lightest shades. The building's colors are used to pull the imagery together, while new colors add depth and excitement. Prominent addition to city's public artCenter for the Arts Manager Jim Urie is enthusiastic about the highly visible addition to the building. "The mural will illustrate for passers-by and guests the extraordinary variety of artistic activity taking place here -- from acting and singing to pottery and painting," Urie said. "The way the artists in the design are helping each other, from one medium to the next, also reflects the interconnected nature of the Bloomington Fine Arts Council groups." A committee composed of community representatives with strong visual arts backgrounds and City staff received several proposals. Durability and maintainability of the materials were important because it is hoped that the mural will last 10 - 15 years or longer. The City Council reviewed the committee's recommendations and selected Pearson to design and paint the mural. Approximately half of the project's costs will be paid through a private donation from residents Allan and Debby Schneider. The remainder will be paid out of the Center for the Arts Capital Fund. About the artistErik R. Pearson has exhibited paintings, woodcuts and pastels in the Midwest and on the West Coast. In spring 2005, Pearson painted a 12-by-56-foot outdoor community mural in Lanesboro, Minnesota, with the help of local school children, various organizations and community members. He completed another mural for the Red Mug Coffeehouse in Superior, Wisconsin, during fall 2006. The Center for the Arts mural has been his third large-scale project.
For more information, contact:
Jim Urie, Center for the Arts Manager
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