Have you ever wanted to legally spray paint public property?
Well now is your chance, with the upcoming street art project at the Zero Gravity Skate Park.
“Artistically the town is facilitating the event but we want to include artists from the skating community and the youth … we want to beautify the skate park and use it just like a canvas,” said Jola Muran, event organizer with the Town of Cochrane.
Hosted by the town, in collaboration with community organizations including the Inside, Arts and Culture Foundation Cochrane (ACFC), and Shredz Shop, the event is inviting professional and amateur artists to show their talents next week and cover the skate park with legal graffiti.
“I think it’s great the town is showing interest in the skate park (and) I think it is excellent for the community to invest in a park that is used by so many people,” said Sharon Johnson, with the Town who also has a son that frequents the park.
“The Inside Youth group (is) wonderful, the leaders are primarily older skaters and they have made my son feel welcome and taught him a lot. They are very generous with their time and truly have the kids best interests at heart, no one is turned away.”
The event was inspired after discussions with the town’s park and recreation workers about the illegal tagging problems they were facing.
“Bylaw suggested painting the skate park and we thought it would be a great community project,” Muran said. “When artists come together there is a special vibe.”
There are still open registration spots for professional artists, who will be spray paint in the morning, while the afternoon is reserved for the amateur artists.
“There will be stencils and spray paint provided … and I am hoping the community as a whole will appreciate the art,” Muran said.
“I am really excited for the event – it will be a long day but it will be a worthwhile project. Usually only big cities have these types of art projects but maybe people will catch a glimpse of it and I am hoping it brings out more families.”
While the spray painting is reserved for artists 15 years old and older to show off their skills, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
The street art project is taking place next June 16 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Materials will be provided. The Zero Gravity Skate Park is located at the intersection of Westrock Road and Highway 22.
For more information contact Jola at 403-851-2275 or by email at [email protected]
