Temporary mural projects, such as the ongoing initiative at the Gable’s building in Altoona, represent a growing trend in urban revitalization where public art masks construction sites. By utilizing plywood panels for local artists, cities can maintain downtown aesthetics and community morale during long-term renovation periods.
How can murals mitigate the visual impact of urban construction?
Local municipalities are increasingly using “tactical urbanism” to manage the eyesores often created by major building projects. In Altoona, a partnership involving the Altoona Blair County Development Corp., the city, ArtsAltoona, and the Mirror has deployed 20 artists to paint plywood panels covering the windows of the Gable’s building.
According to Main Street Manager Jamie Baser Foust, the project aims to improve downtown aesthetics during the transition period for the Gable’s renovation. Rather than leaving a construction site bare, the panels provide visual interest for residents and visitors.
This approach allows a city to maintain a sense of progress rather than decay. For example, the project is timed to coincide with summer events, including the YMCA race and the visit of the Big Boy locomotive, ensuring the downtown remains attractive during high-traffic periods.
The Altoona mural project saw significant community interest, receiving nearly 70 applications for only 20 available panel slots, according to Jamie Baser Foust.
Why are blind selection processes becoming standard for public art?
To ensure fairness and artistic merit, many modern public art commissions are adopting anonymous judging models. The Gable’s building project utilized an eight-person committee to rank applicants based on past work and project concepts.
According to Foust, these applications were stripped of identifying information to prevent bias. This method ensures that the highest composite scores determine the winners, rather than name recognition or political connections.
This shift toward merit-based selection helps build trust between local government and the creative community. It also allows emerging artists to compete on a level playing field with established professionals.
Comparing Selection Models
Traditional municipal art commissions often rely on direct appointments or closed bidding processes. In contrast, the Altoona model combines three distinct engagement layers:
- Blind Judging: An eight-person committee evaluates anonymous submissions to ensure quality.
- Professional Merit: Selection is based on composite scores of previous work and concept depth.
- Public Engagement: A $1,000 award is determined by public votes cast via the Mirror website, fostering community ownership.
How does local iconography strengthen community ties through art?
Successful public art often functions as a visual archive of local identity. The artists currently working in Altoona are utilizing specific local landmarks to create a sense of place.
Thad Dalby, a local artist, is currently painting a montage that features the K4 steam locomotive as a central focus. His work may also include the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Baker Mansion, and the Mishler Theater. By using these iconic objects, artists turn a temporary construction barrier into a tribute to the city’s history.
Similarly, artist Elizabeth Garber is using her panel to replicate a personal memory of a summer night near DelGrosso’s Amusement Park. Garber described the experience of that night as “pure and innocent” and “just delightful.”
When applying for municipal mural projects, focus on “place-making.” Connecting your concept to local history or shared community experiences, as seen in the Altoona project, often increases your chances of selection by committee members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the Altoona mural project?
Artists are expected to finish their work by the end of July, though the partnership is encouraging completion before Independence Day to coincide with summer visitors.
How are the winners of the mural contest chosen?
There are two $1,000 awards: one determined by a group of judges and another based on public votes cast on the Mirror website.
What materials are being used for these murals?
Artists like Thad Dalby are utilizing outdoor acrylic paint, which allows for faster drying times on plywood panels.
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