When I go on vacation, I typically make an effort to visit at least one museum. While I am by no means an art buff, I try to appreciate all the different styles and talent; especially because I am the sort of person who cannot draw a straight line even with a ruler.
Museums are a place where we are expected to appreciate and better understand art. And while I sometimes struggle with modern art, my biggest takeaway from these visits is always to better appreciate public art wherever I can find it. It says so much about the energy, culture, and overall aesthetic of a community. To that end, I am in awe of the art that we have installed downtown so far this year — on two different fronts.
About two weeks ago we installed a new mural. While it is likely not our last mural, it feels like it is possibly the zenith. Painted by Kathy King and Lauren Burkey, you will find multiple scenes that sweep together, depicting Monroe through their eyes. Our murals, like everything we work on, have been an investment in placemaking. We hope they are a key factor in further establishing downtown Monroe as a unique and active place. Our first mural was installed in 2018. Since then, with five different murals, we have gone from realizing that in addition to allowing us new ways to be creative and have fun, murals are just as important as creating and maintaining welcoming storefronts through an awning grant program, purchasing seasonal decorations, and helping open and retain businesses. I would rather not try to describe the mural, but instead write that it is next to the library and Monroe Theatre Guild building and hope you check it out.
Our second art effort is this year’s summer theme: Level Up on Main! It is our nod to video games, from the arcade games in the 1970’s to what the kids are playing today. Mediums include wood, metal, papier-mâché, and fiberglass pieces painted by local artists. Sizes, colors, shapes…no two pieces are the same. This variety creates contrasts and depth that have not existed with the past couple summer themes.
Pieces are being put out in stages. If you were downtown earlier this week, more pieces have just been added for today’s summer kickoff event. The final ones will be coming in the next several days. There are 24 total. And like the mural, I hope you will explore each piece. Because by adding a mural and installing our 12th summer theme, we are contributing to what makes Monroe’s unique cultural environment. They are in the public sphere for everyone to enjoy.
There is a tangible sense of place when you see the word “welcome” on a wall two blocks north. Because while no one typically actively seeks out art on the side of an office building or expects a larger-than-life Kirby in front of their dentist’s office, public art emerges as cultural expression in the everyday if you let it. And that is the paradox. The art can be easily identified by some, but not others. It is art where you least expect it and even without knowing the definition. It can become its own environment and still represent the environment it joined. We hope that both efforts will activate the imagination and encourage you to pay attention to the environment we are all a part of.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at mainstreetmonroe.org.
