Alpena, MI - February 2024
Following a successful first-year partnership in 2023, The Sunset Project is excited to announce its involvement in the 2024 Fresh Waves Mural Project in Downtown Alpena!
The Sunset Project and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are actively looking for artists and property owners interested in being part of this year's Fresh Waves Project. Applications are now open and due by Saturday, April 20, 2024, at midnight.
Following the application period, the DDA Promotions & Marketing committee will review all applications at the end of April and determine the best fit for this year's project. All property owners must give final approval on the design, and all murals must be completed by September 30, 2024.
There is no theme for the Fresh Waves Project - instead, we want to celebrate art for art’s sake and allow the work to shine through without constraints. We are looking for artwork that stands out and tells a new story with a fresh perspective.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying as an artist or as a potential mural location, please visit the Alpena DDA's website at downtownalpenami.com/fresh-waves-mural-project.html or by clicking the button below!
2023 Fresh Waves Participation
In 2023, The Sunset Project committed $3,000 in additional funding to help further expand the Fresh Waves Project. Working closely with Sam Rumbles State Farm and building owner Tim Rumbles, The Sunset Project selected a 15' x 15' space located on the west-facing wall of Harborside Cycle.
The artist, Sous La Ciel of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was selected from the group of artist applications to create the mural titled "Fresh Coast" in the alleyway downtown between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.
Check out the photos below to see more of last year's project!
About The Fresh Waves Project
Fresh Waves is an arts and community beautification initiative launched and facilitated by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The annual project kicked off in 2019 with Aaron Golbeck and Denver-based artist Chad Bolsinger painting the first mural at the former Family Enterprise Embroidery building located at 211 S. Second Ave.
In November 2021, Fresh Waves was awarded a "Best Placemaking Project" through the Michigan Downtown Association for the project's impact on our downtown and community.
In 2023, the DDA received additional funding support from The Sunset Project and the Michigan Arts & Culture Council to expand the project, commissioning 4 large murals and 2 smaller pieces in the alleyway downtown between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.
Since 2019, 23 pieces of public art have been completed through the project by artists from all around the country, becoming a source of community pride and a staple of our small-town identity!
For more information on the Fresh Waves Project, please visit the Alpena Downtown Development Authority's website at downtownalpenami.com.