MainStreet DeLand Association, Stetson University Bring Student Art Downtown With ‘Color on Main’
Public art collaboration connects Stetson artists with Downtown DeLand during America’s 250th anniversary
DELAND, Fla. — MainStreet DeLand Association, in partnership with Stetson University’s Studio Art program, has launched Color on Main, a new public art initiative bringing student creativity out of the classroom and into the heart of Downtown DeLand.
The inaugural installation debuted Sept. 26-27 during the DeLand Craft Show, transforming a downtown wall along East Indiana Avenue into an outdoor gallery. Eight current Stetson students and one recent graduate created nine 3-by-5-foot chalk murals on the exterior of The Elusive Grape, each interpreting this year’s theme, America 250, through their own artistic perspective.
The project was developed by MainStreet DeLand Event Coordinator Jayson LaFortune, an alumnus of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. LaFortune drew inspiration from Chalk FIT, an annual tradition that gives FIT students an opportunity to create large-scale public art on the school’s exterior walls.
“With Stetson being such an important part of the DeLand community, reaching out to the Studio Art department felt like a natural fit,” LaFortune said. “My hope is that Color on Main can give students another opportunity to share their work outside of the classroom while also bringing something new and creative to Downtown DeLand.”
MainStreet DeLand worked with Luca Molnar, associate professor of studio art at Stetson, to develop the project and give students experience responding to a public call for art, creating for a community audience and installing their work in an active downtown setting.
The nine murals range widely in subject and interpretation, with imagery inspired by Florida wildlife, American history, cultural identity and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Craft Show visitors were able to watch the creative process unfold as the artists worked throughout the weekend.
The murals will remain on display along East Indiana Avenue as weather permits, giving downtown visitors additional time to experience the inaugural Color on Main installation.
The project will continue later this fall with a pop-up exhibition at the Museum of Art DeLand, where participating artists are expected to have an opportunity to discuss their work and the ideas behind their Color on Main pieces.
MainStreet DeLand hopes Color on Main will continue to provide opportunities for emerging artists while strengthening the connection between Stetson University and Downtown DeLand and adding new creative experiences to the city’s historic downtown.
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About MainStreet DeLand Association
MainStreet DeLand Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the heartbeat of DeLand by preserving history, supporting local business, cultivating opportunity and welcoming everyone into Historic Downtown DeLand. Since 1985, MainStreet DeLand has worked alongside businesses, property owners, community partners, volunteers and the City of DeLand to support a vibrant and economically healthy downtown while preserving the historic character that makes DeLand unique.
Media Contact:
MainStreet DeLand Association
100 N. Woodland Blvd., Suite 4
DeLand, FL 32720
386-738-0649
info@mainstreetdeland.org
MainStreetDeLand.org
