News

The Arts & Culture Alliance is kicking off National Arts & Humanities Month with the addition of three more murals in Marshalltown. We are thrilled to welcome muralists Kim Carlino (pictured above) of Massachusetts and Jimmy Navarro of Des Moines to our community next week, while local artist, Melynda McCord and Landaca Czerniewski, will be painting at Great Western Bank in Downtown Marshalltown.

​Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance shared, “these final three mural projects will officially wrap up our 2021 mural season and help us celebrate Arts & Humanities month in a big way. It has been a busy year for the Marshalltown Mural program and we couldn’t be happier about the succuss we have had in the first two years of launching this program in our community.”

In the spring, the Marshalltown Mural program began with completing the Schools Sidewalk Safety project (Lauren Gifford of Ames), included eight sidewalk murals at the remaining schools in Marshalltown. To kick-off the summer, we partnered with McGregors Furniture & Mattress (Jordyn Brennan of Minneapolis), the Animal Rescue League (Julie Bousum of Marshalltown) and The Studio Wahl (Rebecca Wagner of Des Moines). Heading into fall, we welcomed Baltimore artist, Nether410 to complete Marshalltown’s largest mural to date at the Tremont Building. As we wrap up the mural season this fall, another three murals will be added to our community.

Rotary Club of Marshalltown – 13th Street District: 
Kim Carlino of Massachusetts was selected for the mural being placed on the north wall of the Chop Shop in the 13th Street District. This project is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marshalltown. The mural will be an energetic and vibrant background for the District. “Rotary is thrilled to partner with the 13th Street District and the Arts and Culture Alliance on this mural. Not only is the design unique and vibrant, it perfectly symbolizes the energy that surrounds this developing area with unique businesses and events that bring our community together,” said Rotary Board member, Amanda Accola. Learn more about Kim: kimcarlinoart.com

Postcard Mural – Marshalltown Development Foundation: 
Jimmy Navarro of Des Moines was selected for the mural being placed on the south wall of Thompson True Value. This project is being sponsored by the Marshalltown Development Foundation (MDF). MDF hand selected this location as it is the first building to welcome visitors into Downtown. The mural will be Marshalltown’s post card mural – showcasing all that makes our community a great place. Heidi Draisey, MDF Board President shared, “we are thrilled this is a mural community members and guests alike will see and enjoy upon entering the historic Marshalltown Central Business District – the heart of where MDF originated 21 years ago – a nod to the true MDF mission that was dedicated to creating, promoting, and funding projects that enhance the appearance and attitude of Marshalltown.”
Learn more about Jimmy: www.navarrofineart.com

Great Western Bank:
“We were heartbroken when we saw Melynda and Landaca’s piece at the Skatepark get ruined just days after they had completed it. We immediately called them to see if they would be interested in a more permanent and much larger canvas,” shared Alliance Executive Director, Amber Danielson. “The intention for this wall was for it to rotate so we connected with Great Western Bank and they were thrilled to learn of the new artwork coming to their space.” Melynda and Landaca painted their interpretation of Van Gogh’s Starry Night at the Skatepark but for this wall, they will be painting Marshalltown’s Starry Night.

Melynda McCord and Landaca Czerniewski

Jimmy Navarro of Des Moines