Fairy Tale Mural Project

Morean Arts Center project lets visitors contribute to fairy tale mural shows another artist's usage of fairy tales in a community for a community. The mural project is now completed, but still displayed if you are in the St. Petersburg, Florida area. However, I love this concept and would love to see it used elsewhere.

Take one look at Kimberly White's community mural project and you will see color, texture and variety. Look again and you will see a living piece of art that changes magically with each new contribution. The mural has visitors talking about fairy tales and picking up paint brushes.

White has been an artist all of her life, and she loves fairy tales. Those endearing timeless stories that spark the imagination were the inspiration for her current project, the "Fairytale and Folklore Artistic Encounter."

"These stories live on from generation to generation through renditions and verbal exchange," she said. "It seemed fitting to do a collaborative piece in which all ages and abilities could join in and share ideas and interpretations of fairy tales amongst each other. Professional artists' work, thought processes and ideas will be side by side against what a child has painted."

I had the opportunity to participate in a similar project in summer 2008 with artist Libby Garner for a Little Red Riding Hood piece. (I also wrote an article about the project for Faerie Magazine last year.)

From the Morean Arts Center website where there are also photos:

Interested in folklore and fairytales?

Visit the Open Space at the Morean Arts Center and meet artist-in-residence Kimberly White. Originally from London, Ms. White’s paintings feature imagery borrowed from children’s stories and mythology. Get inspired as you see the artist create new work, then flaunt your own skill as you create a fairytale image of your own and participate in a storytelling mural with others in our community. Whatever your age or ability, this artistic encounter is sure to spark your imagination!

This activity will be offered starting August 25, Tuesday through Thursday, 10am to 5pm, through September 10. Join us for Saturdays at the Morean, October 3, from 1 to 4 pm for special activities with Catherine Cross, noted artist and teacher.