How public murals will transform downtown Lowell 

What’s happening: Lowell Arts has announced that the Muralocity crowdfunding campaign has reached its $25,000 goal, with more donations still coming in. Reaching this milestone ahead of the July 31 deadline clears the way for the first four murals of the city’s new public art program to be installed this summer, beginning mid-August. 

Why this is important: The campaign, running on the crowdfunding platform Patronicity through July 31, has already raised  $26,810 from 38 donors. By reaching the $25,000 goal, Lowell Arts has secured a matching grant of the same amount from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places program. The match doubles the community’s contribution and completes the $100,000 project budget. Donor contributions fund professional artist fees, wall preparation and materials,  anti-graffiti coating, emerging artist apprenticeships, and community programming. 

What they’re saying: “We are grateful to everyone who gave,” said Janet Teunis, executive director of Lowell Arts. “This campaign showed how much this community wants art in the spaces we all share. These murals will belong  to everyone in Lowell, every day, for years to come.” 

How it works: Muralocity is the first program of Lowell’s Public Art Initiative, developed in partnership with the Lowell Downtown Development Authority, with initial support from the Lowell Area Community Foundation and the DDA. Lowell Arts also worked with the city of Lowell to finalize a public art policy that sets quality standards and a long-term maintenance plan for public art on city property. For murals in the historic district, Lowell Arts worked closely with the Historic District Commission to meet preservation guidelines. 

What’s the timeline: Artists will begin work on the four mural sites in mid-August, with the projects expected to be completed this fall. Each muralist was chosen through a competitive process that drew 197 applicants from across the country.  

Who’s participating: Christopher Catalogna will paint a three-panel work in the Historic District, celebrating Lowell’s industrial heritage at the convergence of the Grand and Flat Rivers. Sitki Dogan will create a science-fiction-style portal into light and energy at Lowell Light & Power, where the town’s electrical infrastructure once stood. Tess Marhofer will paint a four-sided installation on the Creekside Park concessions and restroom facility, featuring native plants and animals found in the ecosystem. Wendy Popko will activate the back of the Chamber of Commerce building with a scene depicting wildlife in and around the Flat River. 

What’s next: A fifth mural is planned for 2027 as part of Lowell Arts’ 50th anniversary, with its theme to be shaped in partnership with the community.

What’s the big picture: Lowell Arts is a nonprofit arts organization serving more than 66,000 people each year through gallery exhibitions, theatre productions, concerts, educational programming, the Fallasburg Arts Festival, and public art. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027.