Want to Create a ‘Fire’ Mural at The Fire House? Submit Your Ideas By June 18
local artist sought to create a vibrant mural on tavern’s bare exterior wall
A new "fire" mural is slated to hit an iconic downtown eatery this summer.
The Pablo Group is currently accepting proposals for the creation of an “engaging, unique, and vibrant mural” for the Graham Avenue-facing exterior brick wall of the Fire House Bar in downtown Eau Claire, according to a media release, thanks to a partnership with The Oxbow Hotel’s artist-in-residency program and a Downtown Eau Claire Inc. Downtown Enhancement Grant.
The new mural should be completed as soon as August.
“Community design and district personality gives people a destination in their downtown wanderings,” the Pablo Group’s website said, “for a photo op, or just to appreciate art on a grand scale.”
In 2018, the Oxbow Hotel brought in Molly Z., a Chicago-based artist and illustrator, to create the now-iconic mural on the side of the Eau Claire Printing Building, which quickly became a popular spot for locals and tourists to stop for a quick, Instagram-worthy picture.
Now, it could be your chance to bring a splash of color to an iconic downtown restaurant.
The Fire House – an iconic Eau Claire pub located at 202 Gibson St. – features a formidable beer selection and a firefighting theme. The new mural project aims to solidify The Fire House's legacy as a downtown hotspot (pun intended).
“This mural project is dedicated to fostering visual art and community partnerships, while enhancing the downtown area and overall experience of both locals and visitors,” the media release said. “During maintenance to the brickwork of the building façade, special attention has been given to prepare the surface for the installation of a mural.”
GUIDELINES
Interested artists should develop an original concept design for the mural – making it appropriate for all audiences, interactive, and inspiring to diverse communities – using 100% acrylic paint. Any artist over the age of 18 and who lives within a 200-mile radius of Eau Claire is invited to apply. The Pablo Group will compensate artists up to $6,500 for design, layout, materials, installation, and the application of a protective coating.
A full list of requirements and guidelines are available here.
Artists from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply, and the selection process allows submissions to be considered equally.
The chosen artist(s) will participate in The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely’s Artist in Residence program, which includes a two-week stay in a boutique hotel room and a meal stipend of $500 in gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Check out more information on this unique opportunity for artists at theoxbowhotel.com/signature/artist-in-residence.
Artists must submit their completed application to murals@pablo.com by 4pm on June 18.
The mural project should be completed by the end of August.
For more information on The Fire House mural project, visit www.pablo.com.
