Artists work over the weekend in the tunnel connecting North and South Railway streets. Artists worked as part of Mural Fest, which is happening over three weekends this summer.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
The second phase of this year’s Mural Fest took place over the weekend, with a number of local and out-of-town artists teaming up to beautify downtown.
“This weekend went really smooth,” said organizer Jeff Goring. “We formed a partnership with Pop Up Parks and the City of Medicine Hat this time around.
“We had artists through the whole weekend and I think things turned out great.”
Several artists worked together to give the underpass between North and South Railway streets a facelift.
“We had 15 artists, mostly local people, and we have three more still coming through,” said Goring. “We know that tunnel can have a bit of a rough reputation around the city and we figured putting some nice new art in there might help it out.
“Instead of being the ‘pee tunnel’ maybe it can be something people go out of their way to check out when they visit Medicine Hat.”
Mural Fest is running in three segments this year, with the next taking place at the beginning of September. Goring says all the events will be COVID-19 safe.
“We’re trying to set everything up so people can socially distance,” he said. “We had different artists working at different times to give everyone space.
“Because we did this in the tunnel, it was hard for people to walk by while it was all happening. Next month’s will be a lot easier for people to watch as spectators.”
Next month’s Mural Fest activities will focus on two walls downtown. Goring says he is still confirming one of the walls. The confirmed wall is on the side of the Hat’s Olive Tap.
For more information follow Medicine Hat Mural Fest on Facebook.
