Youth artists employed by Van Go will reveal their latest mural commission during a ribbon cutting at J.Lynn Bridal & Suiting.
The ribbon cutting will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 at the store, 731 Massachusetts St., as part of Final Friday. The event is free and open to the public, but pets are not permitted.
The piece is called “Intertwined” and uses imagery such as sparrows and floral themes to represent marriage, unity and resilience.
“The floral theme is both an element of nature, and an intentional depiction of the intricate lacework found in traditional wedding dresses,” according to event organizers. “This motif was borrowed directly from one of the gowns found in this very shop.”
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Van Go apprentice artists interviewed the client, J.Lynn, to help guide the mural’s central theme, before they put their heads together to brainstorm possible plans. Van Go Art Director Rick Wright curated the plans and presented them to the client for approval. The youth artists painted the final design onsite over two months.
This process for creating a mural, with some slight variation, is a recurring part of Van Go programming.
“(It) helps youth build connections with Lawrence businesses and leaders, create goals to work toward, and collaborate as a team to finish a project,” according to a news release from the nonprofit. “Mural projects also provide an opportunity for youth to learn about the unique experience of commissioning an art piece.”
Artists included Sawyer Breneman, Tristan Chavez, Samantha Greenfield, Jubilee Jacob, Ro O’Leary, Niko Munoz, Mary Ramirez, Fletcher Sanborn, Alex Van Vleck and Alaric Wheeler, according to organizers.
Van Go is a Lawrence-based nonprofit social service organization that employs artists ages 14 to 24.
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