PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Organized by Support Portsmouth Public Art (SPPA), the inaugural Wall Street Mural Festival took over the alleyway in the city’s Wall Street. There, attendees could watch artists paint 10 walls in real time. One of those attendees, Mayor Shannon Glover, showed his support for the unique festival along with artists and residents.
“We’ve got breakdancing, we’ve got skateboarders, we’ve got music, we’ve got all levels of the community participating in this wonderful event today,” said Mayor Glover. “All to raise awareness and create awareness for public art in the city of Portsmouth.”
The murals were judged by a jury, and the winner received a $500 grand prize. There was also a “People’s Choice” award where spectators were able to vote for their favorite mural.
“We have an amazing talent of artists with roots in Virginia who have painted all over the world,” said Matthew Diggs one of the event organizers and part of the planning committee with SPPA.
In addition to the murals, there were also breakdance and skateboard competitions, food, refreshments, arcade games, vendors and several other surprises for participants.
The Mural Festival was at the start of the newly proposed innovative district on High and Hatton Street, which organizers believe will be “a catalyst to Portsmouth’s creative community and overall economic development” continued Diggs.
For more details on this and other events organized by Support Portsmouth Public Art, visit their website at www.sppava.org.