CARLSBAD — New Village Arts sent out a call to artists for mural designs that would represent Carlsbad Village. The result is four “impactful” murals that are currently being created.
“The goal of the project is to bring more outdoor art to Carlsbad Village and bring the community together through that art,” Kristianne Kurner, New Village Arts executive artistic director, said.
A total of 16 submissions were initially sent in, in November 2012. A panel comprised of members of New Village Arts, Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, which funded the project, and community members selected the designs of artists Jason Markow, Michael Summers, Ron Juncal and Phyllis Swanson and Lauren Lee. All finalists live in Southern California with the exception of Lauren Lee, of Phoenix, Ariz.
“The panel made their selection by looking at the murals themselves and how they fit into the identity of Carlsbad Village,” Kurner said. “The idea of street art is to make your experience greater.”
Artists were awarded between $1,000 and $6,000 for materials and mural work.
Markow’s large TEKST mural was completed in April. The TEKST design uses words gathered from a survey that asked people what they thought about Carlsbad Village. The words were twisted into shapes that cover the side of the Carlsbad Cabinets building at 2690 State St.
“Jason Markow creates whole worlds of art based around words,” Kurner said.
Taking shape through May 10 is Summers’ large animal theme mural at 2906 Carlsbad Blvd. The composition shows two tigers being colored by a rain of paint.
Summers describes his painting style as surrealist work that is whimsical and humorous.
“It’s so imaginative and beautiful,” Kurner said. “It’s sophisticated and made for adults, but kids will love it.”
Summers said the experience of painting the mural has been very positive.
“A lot of people stop by to talk or volunteer to help out,” he said. “The enthusiasm is overwhelming.”
Still to be painted are Juncal and Swanson’s mural at 2801 Roosevelt Street, and Lauren Lee’s earthscape mural, its location to be determined.
The artists’ painting schedule is spread out over two months to allow the public to see the four murals take shape.
“People get to see how a piece of art starts from an idea through creation,” Kurner said.
Kurner added the finished murals are intended to energize and elevate people’s experience of walking through The Village.
“You will be surprised by what you see and think a little bit further,” she said.