Spruce Up Cedar Rapids With Your Own Artistic Design

The picture above shows the parking lot of Kickstand in NewBo and in the background is the sidewall of Ideal Social Hall, where soon a new mural will be created to add some more flavor to the neighborhood.

The Corridor Business Journal (CBJ) reports that NewBo/Czech Village District leaders have sent out a call for proposals to create a mural that "will provide a striking welcome to visitors coming from the west side over the Bridge of the Lions." The area has become a creative arts hub that has a history "representing the hardworking residents of all ethnic backgrounds over the years on the Southside of Cedar Rapids" and they'd like the design to honor that "legacy of NewBo."

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Phase one is to collect conceptual art studies for the project and phase two is to pick the muralist to design the project.

For a brief idea of what organizers would like the mural to be, CBJ quotes a media release saying "as this neighborhood-now known for its creative arts, culture, and entertainment scene -- continues to flourish, it is only right that we remember the working class who built this neighborhood, this town and, really, this nation." To spark the creativity of those interested even more, district leaders suggest the design takes after the styles of Marvin Cone, Grant Wood, or Edward Hopper but they'll consider all submissions that meet the above criteria.

Submissions for phase one of the project are due March 29, so if you want your artistic talent on display for all who drive past this location daily (and $1,000), get more information and fill out the application here.

To spark the creativity of those interested, even more, district leaders suggest the design takes after the styles of Marvin Cone, Grant Wood, or Edward Hopper.