By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
A new quartet of colorful outdoor artwork will join four existing murals “hanging” on the sides of businesses throughout downtown Canal Winchester.
The four paintings, reproduced as weatherproof images on special colorfast vinyl, will be installed prior to the Canal Winchester Art Guild’s annual Art Stroll on May 7.
Each member of the guild could submit up to three entries, which were judged by Mayor Mike Ebert, city development director Lucas Haire, Lancaster art instructor Donna Noice and Michelle Brandt, owner of Brandt-Roberts Galleries in Columbus’ Short North.
All artwork had to be original and the artist’s names were digitally blocked during judging. The winning artists in the 2016 competition are: Teresa Satola, Jim Schwarz, Annette Simon and Christine Koch.
According to Art Guild President Linda Boving, judging was based on a one to 10 scale, with 10 being the highest number.
“The judges were asked to consider the overall composition, color and design of the artwork keeping in mind that the winning works would become large murals on display in the historic district of Canal Winchester,” said Boving. “The winning pieces are then submitted to PPA Graphics in Canal Winchester to be professionally photographed. Those images are then sent to Atchley Graphics in Columbus to be fabricated. They are printed on a special colorfast vinyl that has a heat activated adhesive on the back.”
The murals average between 6×8 feet to 8×10 feet. Each image is a different size depending on the available space at their designated location and the artwork’s proportions. The cost for each finished mural and installation is approximately $1,000. The vinyl has a heat activated adhesive on the back and the fabricator guarantees the murals for up to one year, although they could last up to three years.
Potential installation locations must meet a certain set of criteria. In 2015, murals were installed at Stradley Park (Linda Boving), Sticks ‘n Stones (Robert Warren), Cornersmiths (Dick Weiser) and the John Kantner Law Office (Gary Bumpus).
“As with our first installation, we are focusing on the historic district of downtown Canal Winchester. The locations were determined by the city, Atchley Graphics (the installation company) and the Canal Winchester Art Guild,” said Boving. “Due to the process used to adhere the vinyl murals, the walls they must be in stable condition. No peeling paint or unstable brick and mortar.”
Boving said the guild has discussed creating public art in the downtown area for some time.
“One of the main goals of the guild is to promote and encourage the arts in our community and to continue to promote Canal Winchester as an art destination,” said Boving. “The addition of the murals has been a major step in achieving that goal.”
Art Stroll
The Canal Winchester Art Guild’s 5th annual Art Stroll will be held May 7 from 2-8 p.m. This free event features artists, entertainment and local cuisine in the historic district of downtown Canal Winchester.
Artists will be located in businesses and studios throughout downtown Canal Winchester, in the Canal Winchester Community Center in at 22 S. Trine St., in tents at Stradley Plaza at 36 S. High St., and in the Pine Room of Shade on the Canal. A variety of art and mediums will be displayed including paintings, collage, glass, wood, jewelry, photography, pottery, fiber art and mixed media.
Entertainment will be provided at Stradley Park by the Steel Ivory Duo from 2-4 p.m., the Yellow Rose Cloggers from 4-6 p.m., and Ira Twangs will stroll through downtown playing his banjo from 6-8 p.m. The Quilters on the Canal will feature a quilt exhibition at the Canal Winchester Community Center, 22 Trine Street from 2-8 p.m.
Canal Winchester art students’ work will be displayed at the Town Hall at the corner of High and Waterloo streets. Artists will demonstrate watercolor and alcohol ink painting in the Pine Room of Shade on the Canal. Children are invited to paint on New Life Community Church’s “Art Wall” next to Stradley Plaza. Visit Wagon Wheels Winery at 58 E. Waterloo St. for wine sampling.
