News

Blank Canvases Coming to Life with Murals in Downtown

Future mural site for Studio Wahl

PictureArtist, Rebecca Wagner

The Arts & Culture Alliance’s Mural program seeks to strengthen the relationship between the people and places we share through investments in creativity. The program creates an opportunity for an increased focus on quality of life, community pride, beautification and creative placemaking. In 2020, our first mural projects launched at La Salud in Downtown Marshalltown and at several Marshalltown Schools for the sidewalk safety project. The added vibrancy has just begun and Marshalltown should be on the lookout for murals to continue popping up around town in 2021.

We are thrilled to share another mural is going up this week at the Edwards Jones Building on South 1st Ave in Downtown, East of the Court House. The mural will be located on the back east wall and is being painted this weekend by Des Moines artist, Rebecca Wagner. The mural is sponsored by a new business, The Studio Wahl, located on the top floor of the Edward Jones Building. The Studio Wahl, owned and operated by Anne Wahl, is the premier place to gather with friends in Marshalltown creating one of a kind trend setting pieces of art and decor. The Studio Wahl’s Facebook

Building owners, Tom and Anne Wahl along with Zach Wahl, share “we are very excited to work with Rebecca and watch her attractive design come to life. We are committed to our community here in Marshalltown. A mural has the ability to create a visual impact across our region and drive real business. Our hope is to increase traffic, strengthen our community and showcase the beauty that is here.”

Rebecca is a graphic illustrator and digital designer based in Iowa. She is currently studying graphic design at the Kansas City Art Institute. Rebecca has been the recipient of several prestigious awards at her college and here in Iowa. She received first place as an adult artist at the Iowa State Fair Fine Arts exhibit 2020 in the drawing category for her depiction of Hassaleh and the sons of Hypnos. She was also the recipient of the 2021 Armin Hofmann Award for outstanding rigor diligent process and commitment to design. Her floral mural design will be filled with vibrant colors, providing an uplifting and cheerful energy to the area. The mural will be just steps away from the Gallery Garden off of 2nd Ave. Rebecca’s Instagram

“We believe a vibrant arts and culture environment is critical to enhancing the quality of life and driving economic development while nurturing a positive view of the community among residents and visitors alike. The Arts & Culture Alliance is committed to cultivating a community of arts and culture and we believe a community enriched in arts and culture will attract, retain and engage residents and visitors,” stated Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson.

The Alliance is actively working on several mural projects at locations in the Downtown and 13th Street District. Including McGregor’s Furniture & Mattress, Tremont and Thompson True Value.

The Arts & Culture Alliance, a non-profit organization, was created in 2004 to cultivate a community of arts and culture by supporting, promoting and enriching existing opportunities and by seeking new possibilities. Our mission allows us to focus on enhancing the quality of life in Marshalltown by making it a place in which arts and culture thrive and our community flourishes.

For more information or questions, please contact us at
(641) 752-ARTS (2787) or director@artsandculturealliance.org
Learn more at www.artsandculturealliance.org/marshalltown-murals


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Edwards Jones Building on South 1st Ave in Downtown, East of the Court House

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Back-East Wall where the mural is currently being painted

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