The Dept. of Public Art was created in 2012 with the intent of creating and encouraging public art, or as we like to say, “art in public.” The primary focus of our work is the installation of permanent as well as temporary murals. Further, we seek to re-awaken a sense of pride in cities, communities, and neighborhoods by enhancing its visual appearance. DPA is responsible for 28 permanent murals, placed murals on 17 properties, and installed 37 individual mural panels. Additionally, DPA members individually have created 10 other murals in the community. We have a hard working committed core group of 8-10 people and up to 50 artists who have had an interest in painting on public art projects.
In 2012, DPA Sponsored a series of mural arts skill building workshops including an air brush school that created two murals in the Water St. Parking Ramp. The basement of 213 State St., below the Cooperative Gallery, was developed as a studio space for workshops and storage of materials.
