FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Steven Labrum
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PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP CREATES LARGEST MURAL IN UTAH
International street artist Vexta currently working at 150 S State
Salt Lake City (September 12, 2017) -- Utah based 3 Irons commissioned international street artist Vexta to create a five-story tall, 150 ft long mural in the heart of downtown. Adding to the vibrant arts corridor that spans from Gallivan Center to Eccles Theater, the mural is currently underway, located on the south face of the building home to Impact Hub and Richter7.
Vexta, a native-Australian, is a renowned street and gallery artist, with art on public display worldwide from Sweden to Mexico. She began her work on Sept 6th, and anticipates completion by Sept 14th.
“The arts can only flourish with a mix of publicly funded projects, and private initiatives,” said 3 Irons creative producer, Joy Haynes. “We were blown away with the willingness and enthusiasm of these donors to support this huge and complex project to bring downtown Salt Lake City the largest mural in Utah.”
The project is being financed completely by private donors, which is rare for such a large and prominent piece of public art. The primary supporter of this project is art lover and real estate developer Andy Renfro who owns the building being painted. Additional major supporters include advertising firm Richter7, residential treatment program Eva Carlston Academy, as well as Salt Lake City Residents Rheda Fouad & Amy Leininger and Steven Labrum.
“Downtown is the cultural core of the state, where art is available in theaters, museums and upon buildings themselves.” said Downtown Alliance executive director Jason Mathis. “This new mural is not only a fantastic addition to a great street art scene, we hope it encourages other private groups to undertake similar projects.”
In addition to the mural, filmographer Brent Rowland is making a short documentary which will be screened and available this fall. Downtown Alliance is a sponsoring partner for that film.
What: Vexta Street Art
When: September 6-14
Where: 150 S. State Street, SLC, UT 84111
Photos: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz40CRq5eulDUWQ1UFhjcGkzNGc
About 3 Irons: 3 Irons, a "two person creativity support group," was started by two friends, Joy Haynes and Steven Labrum, who were seeking to exercise their creative muscles by doing small tasks such as writing, visual arts, or consuming live art performance. The idea for the name "3 Irons" came from the concept of always having 'irons in the fire'. Three at a time seemed like a reasonable amount to be working on. As the successive projects continued to grow in scope, and the enjoyment also escalated, a crazy idea was hatched: The 50 Irons Project: a year-, and 50 project-, long adventure. More information at 3irons.com
About Downtown Alliance: The Downtown Alliance is dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment. For more information, visit downtownslc.org
About Vexta: Vexta is a self-taught street artist from Sydney Australia with a bohemian heritage. Her bold and extravagant artworks have invaded our visual landscape from Melbourne to Mexico and everywhere in between, she is a nomad of our modern times. Viewing the world through her psychedelic kaleidoscope, Vexta reinterprets the sacred elements within science, cosmology, mythology, life/death and the feminine navigating these themes through the common threads that bind our experiences. The traditional totems of non-western culture have since become her inspiration to describe what it is to exist in the contemporary world. Juxtaposing animals and human forms amid her symbolic, geometric shards, she provides an insight into our fundamental engagement with the human condition.
Currently based in Brooklyn, NY, Vexta spreads her vision across the continents and countries, studios and streets, balancing exhibitions, commissions and creative ventures alike. She has exhibited extensively across Australia, Europe and North America, including The National Gallery of Australia and has her work held in numerous public, academic and private collections globally.
About Richter7: Established in 1971, Richter7 has been named Utah’s “Best of State” advertising agency eight times and is nationally recognized for effective advertising, public relations, online interactive and design for clients across the country.
About Eva Carlston Academy: Eva Carlston is a residential treatment center for teenage girls located in Salt Lake City. They provide school and behavioral health to their clients using a strong arts curriculum, as well as access to professional arts institutions in the community.
About Rheda Fouad and Amy Leininger: Rheda & Amy are residents and entrepreneurs living in Salt Lake City. They started the Downtown Artists’ Collective and serve on the UMOCA Board and Junior League amongst many other projects they support in the community. They are also the founders of The Ruin in Sugarhouse and Super Top Secret.
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