Famed Artist Arlin Graff to Install Mural at Shindigz Place
Art This Way and Downtown Improvement District (DID) are thrilled to announce that internationally renowned artist Arlin Graff will paint a mural at Shindigz Place in Downtown Fort Wayne. The art installation will wrap the south and east façade of the building located at 919 South Harrison Street.
Graff will begin work on August 10, 2021, and complete the project by August 18, 2021. The public is encouraged to visit the mural site during the installation to watch the artist in motion. Upon completion, Art This Way and Downtown Improvement District invite the community to attend a dedication event at the mural site, Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Help bring the street to life and enjoy live musical entertainment, a photo booth, and a featured artist chat!
This mural contributes to the growing implementation of public artwork within the Downtown alleyway network. Other murals near this work include 2018 installations by local artists Bryan Ballinger and Matt Plett, 2019 mural installation by artist 1010, and 2020 Make It Your Own Mural Fest installation by artist team Key Detail.
“We strive to strike a balance between hiring regional artists and talent from around the globe to contribute to our growing collection of public art. It is exciting to have local artists’ work on display alongside an Arlin Graff mural,” said public art consultant and Art This Way Manager Alex Hall. “Since 2016, Art This Way has concentrated on bringing more public art to the ‘Double Plus’ alleyways in the heart of our city. Graff’s mural will catch the eye of tourists leaving Visit Fort Wayne and the Grand Wayne Center, and it will draw visitors into this unique, outdoor gallery space.”
Graff loved to play with wood blocks as a child, putting things together and then dismantling them again. Graff’s work represents a type of deconstructionism inspired by his childhood fascinations. The distinct style gives life to his abstract creations, which seem to be emerging from digital work.
Originally from Brazil, Graff is primarily based in the United States and São Paulo. In addition to canvases, Graff’s elaborate paintings are executed worldwide on a large scale, bringing color to city walls all over the globe, from Brazil to France – and now, Fort Wayne, IN.
Shep Moyle, owner of 919 South Harrison Street, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Art This Way to bring world-renowned artist Arlin Graff to Fort Wayne. Shindigz Place will be the perfect canvas for his work – bringing more fun and energy to our Downtown area. We are ready to get this party started and celebrate Arlin and his unique, one-of-a-kind work!”
Funding for this project is made possible by Wendy and Shep Moyle, Shindigz, and Downtown Improvement District – with special thanks to Wendy and Shep Moyle.
