Visual Art

A Mighty Mural: Oxbow launches artist-in-residence program

Lauren Fisher, photos by Joel Pearish |

Chicago-based artist Molly Z
Chicago-based artist Molly Z stands across from the Eau Claire Printing Building

The corner of Farwell and Galloway is about to get prettified in a big, bold way. Chicago-based artist Molly Z will begin work on a 3,200 square foot mural on the side of the Eau Claire Printing Building on June 3 as part of The Oxbow Hotel’s first artist in residence program. The public is welcome to participate in the process during several events hosted throughout the residency – in addition to watching the image come to life over the roughly two-week project. The Oxbow Gallery will host a panel discussion on creating public art led by the artist June 9 (3-4pm). The Oxbow and Visit Eau Claire will host a Mural Appreciation Reception June 11 from 5-7pm, where people can view the nearly finished mural, enjoy live music, and get a poster of the mural live screen-printed by Tangled Up in Hue signed by Molly Z.

The artist in residence program will inspire communication between local and visiting artists, resulting in creative pollination between regions, enriching Eau Claire's art scene and spreading local character elsewhere, Oxbow co-owner Nick Meyer said.

Molly Z is a digital designer, illustrator, and muralist who uses vibrant colors and bold designs to brighten spaces and make people smile. She has created many works of art - both large and small - for special events, conferences, and products.

For more information, check out The Oxbow’s Artist in Residence webpage. Check out the May 30 issue of Volume One for the full story.