KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A number of large examples of street art have popped up around Kalamazoo in the past year, and a possible design for the largest mural of all has just been selected.
It will wrap around three sides of a new parking ramp that Kalamazoo County will soon build near its new courthouse and Kalamazoo County Administration Building.
A proposal by former street artist Patrick Harshberger got their recommendation.
Hershberger, whose artist name is Go Bonus Saves, says his work combines depictions of notable community residents with native flora and fauna.
He says there is still time to tweak what goes into two of the smaller panels that will also be part of the building’s façade.
County board chair Jen Strebs says they had three good finalists.
Kalamazoo County received 29 proposals, which were screened by the Arts Council and the Public Arts Commission and reduced to five. An ad hoc committee made up of local residents, members of local arts organizations and the county board were tasked with picking the final design.
The goal was to select the proposal that most reflected community history, identity pride and would enhance the public space. Picking a local artist was also a priority.
The county commission will be asked to make the final decision at their next meeting, and then the contract be signed.
Most of the $50,000 budget for the art project will be spent to have 31 large panels printed from the artist’s design.
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