Archie Hayes Strolling the extensive streets of Ft. Smith, the second largest metropolis in Arkansas close to the Oklahoma border, one may anticipate finding small companies, historic landmarks, the occasional reside music venue, and few shuttered storefronts. What you may not anticipate seeing are towering murals from worldwide road artists round virtually each nook, however, that’s precisely what’s taking place with The Unexpected, a formidable native effort to carry important public artworks to the streets of Ft. Smith in an effort to revitalize the downtown space.
Funded partially by native non-profit 646 Downtown and curated by JustKids, the occasion is now in its second yr and has introduced over 20 artworks that blanket outdated buildings, grain silos, retailer facades, and even a sculpture in a small park. The initiative has additionally engaged rising artists from each the College of Arkansas and college students from two native excessive faculties who have been invited to create their very own murals across the metropolis.
This yr noticed new items by Okuda, Faith47, Dface, Bordalo II, Jaz & Pastel, Alexis Diaz, Maser, Guido van Helten, and Cyrcle. The artworks went up over the primary week of September with the help of numerous native volunteers and help workers. Should you occur to cease by right here’s a handy map, and there’s even an app the place customers can navigate to totally different artworks, submit their very own pictures and go away feedback. You may see the entire accomplished works from each 2015 and 2016 on Instagram and Facebook.
Photos by Raymesh.
