On September 24 from 12 to 4 p.m., Ruston residents and visitors will be able to experience Ruston’s murals and street art in new and exciting ways as the streets become lined with artists creating mini murals, street art events are conducted, and a scavenger hunt with prizes is held.
Showcased in this unique walking tour are local artists, including many of the artists who participated in our Ruston “Sidewalk Chalkwalk” this past July, who are competing for a $1,000 juried prize and a $500 People’s Choice prize. The prize for the best juried artwork will be selected by an independent local juror. The People’s Choice Award will be selected electronically by visitors attending the event by scanning the QR code near their artwork. As with our last event, our art-related be open to showcase their artworks. Prints of the artwork are available at Fine Line Supply Co.
You can begin your walk at any of our participating businesses or follow our map. The walking trail maps are located at Cotton Top, Creative Exchange, Dixie Center for the Arts, Experience Ruston, Fine Line Supply Co., Heard Freighthouse Food Park, Limitless Grooming, No. 9 Books, Ruston Artisans, Studio 301, The Children’s Shoppe, The Depot Coffee House, The Fabric Shop, and The Frame Up. In addition to showcasing the artist and their work, many of our local businesses have planned events inside so be sure to stop inside the businesses.
As you make your way through town you will encounter a variety of vendors at Origin Bank and other venues, and have opportunities to create your own street art at many of the businesses and artist Ben Moss will hold an interactive class at the Heard Freighthouse Food Park. Ben will teach attendees how to create murals and street art, the do’s and don’ts of street art and attendees will have an opportunity to practice what they learn. This community mural, as with all street art and murals, is ephemeral. It will be available only temporarily at the Food Park. A special mural activity just for the kids will be held at Ruston Artisans. Be sure to dress for the weather and the interactive art. In addition to the interactive art opportunities, there will be a scavenger hunt showcasing the many, magnificent murals and unique features located throughout the downtown area. Instructions for the scavenger hunt will be on the form, which is available where you pick up your map. Prizes from our local businesses will delight our scavenger hunt winners!
The talent in Ruston and the local area is exceptional and many local businesses, corporations, non-profit groups are supporting that talent through their sponsorship and donations. This event is managed by Friends of Ruston Mainstreet. Questions may be directed to our planning committee this year includes Dylan Sanders and Ryan Botts, Creative Exchange; Judy Copeland, Dixie Center for the Arts; Henry McCoy, Fine Line Supply Co.; Judi Null, Ruston Artisans; and, Amy Stegall, Ruston Main Street Director/Community Coordinator.
The Ruston Art Encounter conducts unique, bi-monthly events designed to celebrate the arts and community. We believe that art provides an opportunity to generate conversation and education and we invite you to join us for this fun and one-of-a-kind art event.