GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Giant works of art, with a little street entertainment on the side will be part of the very first Mural and Busker Festival in downtown Green Bay.
On the 100 block of South Chestnut Avenue, Claire Erickson is hard at work. The Door County artist is creating a mural 37 feet wide, and 13 feet tall.
“I go to the hardware store, and I get exterior paint, so it’s like the paint you’d use on your house. That will be weather-resistant so it will stay a long time,” said Claire Erickson, Artist.
Not far away, the group called Mischief Magic is demonstrating its street performance called busking.
“We’re going to be doing clowning. We’ve got a mime down there. We’re going to be doing some juggling. We’re going to have balloon animals going on. Everything that day is kind of for tips, so it’s a pay as you feel type of gig,” said Jake Eggert, Mischief Magic.
Officials say getting visitors downtown is important.
“One of the positives, is drawing people to the district. Another one, is we’re putting in 10 new murals. Those are things that are going to continually drive people to this district, and just beautify and improve the district as well,” said Allie Thut, On Broadway Special Events Director.
Just to the north, Andrew Linskens is creating a wall of birds. He says the swallows are just beginning to take shape.
Back at Chestnut Avenue, Claire Erickson says there’s a message behind this mural.
“We want people to see diversity, and unity, and a democracy. People coming together and working together to help create and mold the future,” she said.
The event runs through Sunday.
