ON THE MISSISSIPPI MONTICELLO COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
MontiArts works as unique creative force
In 2018 , the City of Monticello started an arts program , MontiArts , with the hopes of revitalizing its downtown through murals , events , sculptures , mosaic work and more . Through the hard work of building community connections and grant writing , MontiArts has become a unique , artistic force in the region .
Connectivity through creativity is the core value behind the Monticello Arts Initiative . The primary focus is to help make the downtown area a vibrant , invigorating space where people enjoy spending time and being active .
Connecting local creatives to one another is step one . By harnessing that group ’ s energy , creative thinking , and ideas , MontiArts plans events , creates programming , and weaves public and community arts into the downtown landscape .
MontiArts headquarters can be found at 213 West Broadway , the former Taylor Land Surveying building , where it moved in 2022 . There is always something fun and unique happening here , whether it ’ s open mic night , an art class or exhibit , open studio or a community art project .
The MontiArts Garage is located just down the street at 349 West Broadway and is often used for the creation of larger , messier projects .
The first installation by the MontiArts Initiative was an ambitious idea to select a photograph to display in a truly unique way in a very visible place downtown . This became the “ Shimmer Wall .”
A committee selected a photo by local photographer Chris Lommel to be constructed of thousands of reflective discs that flutter in the breeze giving the image movement and a shimmering quality .
Since then , MontiArts has created an art walk through the downtown , with works from local artists sprinkled around the city .
The Monticello Community Center is the first stop on the art crawl , with several murals and a swan sculpture .
Walking along Walnut Street , one can find more sculptures , murals and a colorful community art build called “ The Cow Tag Project .”
A cluster of art can be found at the intersection of Broadway and Highway 25 , including the “ Shimmer Wall ” and two swan statues .
More art pieces can be found throughout the city ’ s parks , including a small-mouth bass sculpture at Ellison Park and the “ Community Funky Fish Sign Project ” at West Bridge Park . Otter Creek Park has a fun sculpture of an otter riding a bike , and the locals have fully embraced him , often dressing the otter up in a cute , seasonal outfit .
More information about upcoming events and programming is available on the on MontiArts ’ website at www . montiarts . com .
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