VIRGINIA BEACH — Let’s do some math: 10 artists over 10 days painting 10 new murals in the ViBe District bringing the public art creation count in the district up to 35; and that equals a chance for three people to win $100 gift certificates to their favorite ViBe District business.
During the ViBe District Creative District Mural Festival that runs from May 11-20, not only will 10 new pieces of art be created, but anyone who uses Instagram will have the chance to make some art of their own and win while doing so.
“I knew it was a perfect fit for this project,” said Kate Pittman, executive director of the ViBe Creative District nonprofit. “In the last year, we’ve already had amazing photos shared with us on Instagram that were taken with the public art in ViBe.”
The project, she said, amplifies the idea that people should engage with art and have fun with it. People are encouraged to take selfies, fashion shoots, or pose their dogs, children or friends in front of the art being created.
Those wanting to submit photos should share them to @thevibecreativedistrict and use #vibemuralfest.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to share the new murals with the City of Virginia Beach’s residents and visitors,” Pittman said. “The live mural painting by the 10 artists throughout the district will become almost performance art as the murals unfold over the course of the 10 days.”
The murals are going to be large, with one coming in at 40 feet in height and another 90 feet in width.
Visitors will be able to stand in one spot on 17th Street near Baltic Avenue and watch five different murals being created.
Most of the artists are local, but Richmond is also represented, while one is from Connecticut and another from California. Each will receive a $3,000 stipend and up to $1,000 for materials.
For two weeks in March an open call received 88 submissions from artists in 12 states across the country, as well as 10 different cities in Virginia. More than 300 images were then provided to the 10 local businesses and property owners who will be hosting the new murals, with each then choosing their favorite.
All of the new murals are within a mile walk of each other, and an online map has been created to help people find the locations. Pittman said they also plan to provide golf cart tours of the mural sites during the festival.
A full schedule of the 10 day project, artist profiles, and other associated events can be found online.