We had a very big day yesterday, where we went before the Oil City Council to give them an exciting update on our progress. We are thrilled to announce that everything is a go: Mural Fest has officially secured its funding!
We are honored to share that this project is supported by a grant from The Live Better Fund and Association EBN in memory of Emma Burket Newman. This generous support makes it possible to bring a citywide explosion of color and creativity to our streets, biking trails, and community here in Oil City. Kaleb and I had the opportunity to meet them via zoom and discuss the project, they are all lovely humans, and we are more than grateful to them.
During our meeting with the City Council, we were able to present a mockup of what the Mural monoliths will actually look like in our public spaces. Seeing the vision on paper made it all feel very real.
“This isn’t just about paint on walls, it’s about bringing the community together, drawing visitors to our beautiful town, and building a better world through shared public art.”
What is Mural Fest?
Our vision is for Mural Fest to become a signature annual event for our community. During the festival, four mural monoliths will stand in the town square. Over the course of the event, 16 regional artists will work simultaneously to paint a mural on each of the four side panels of these structures.
Once the festival concludes, these monoliths won’t just disappear, they will be showcased during ARMA fest at Justus Park trail head and then they will be placed throughout town and along the trail as permanent art sculptures. Our hope is that they will add color and intrigue to our already beautiful area, creating an “art trail” for residents and visitors to enjoy year-round.
Calling All Artists!
So, what does this mean for our local creators? We are looking for 16 regional artists to bring these monoliths to life! Keep a close eye out for upcoming submission dates to send in your designs. While we haven’t finalized the exact prompt yet, think community, bike and hiking trails, and the natural beauty of our region.
Start planning your designs now:
- Dimensions: Each panel will be 5 feet tall by 2 feet wide.
- Theme: Focus on the flora, fauna, and landscapes or anything that makes our region unique. also will be accepting submissions that highlight our local bike and hiking trails.
- Compensation: All those selected will receive a stipend for their time and talent. We will have more details on the logistics soon!
- I’ll be doing an open call at some point this month (May 2026).
Why It’s So Awesome
- Community Connection: Watching 16 artists work live in the town square creates a unique, shared experience for everyone.
- A Lasting Legacy: These structures will be built to last, turning the festival’s energy into permanent public landmarks.
- Economic & Cultural Growth: By drawing tourists and supporting our Mainstreet Program, we’re investing in the future of Oil City.
What’s Next?
While we are celebrating today, the real work starts now. We are aiming for the festival to take place in July or August, so the clock is ticking! We have many more crucial meetings with the City to finalize locations and logistics. There are still many steps to take, permits to sign, monoliths to build, and brushes to prime, but the momentum is on our side.
Stay tuned for updates. This event is going to be amazing, and we can’t wait to see you all in the square this summer!
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