'I want to get the community involved:' Port Wentworth seeks creative touch for mural
The City of Port Wentworth is looking to make things a little more vibrant near city hall. The city recently announced for all artists and people with passion to participate in a mural contest for a $1,000 prize.
The mural will be located on the blank wall at Whistle Express Car Wash at 38 Magellan Boulevard.
“A lot of cities have really cool murals or really cool art,” said City of Port Wentworth Economic Development Director James Touchton. “Some of the coolest things you see when go to a city’s downtown is a brick wall with a cool mural on it, and it defines the city, and really looks to the future. You just feel this really cool essence and vibe.”
Touchton took inspiration from cities like Atlanta and Beltline and other suburban metro cities, as well as the idea for a competition much like the Ghost Pirates did when they named their new Mascot, Davy.
“One thing I thought was, I want to get the community involved,” Touchton said. “I want everyone who feels that they have something to add to the conversation of art to add their creativity. This is open to everyone, I don’t want anyone to think they can’t or shouldn’t do it because they don’t have an art degree.”
The plan is to accept entries now through Oct. 15. A committee of internal city staff, Whistle Express staff and elected officials will rank the submitted art and then vote.
“Then we’re going to do an unveiling, commission someone to paint it, if that person is not a painter,” Touchton said. “Then we’ll have a big unveiling of it, and it’s going to be a landmark. When I say a landmark - 25,000 cars a day are going to see this, and that’s just right now, not even the future when our Ghost Pirates facility and 150 acre park open.”
The Chief Marketing Officer at Whistle Express Summer Nunn, said in a press release that they are thrilled to be involved.
“Whistle Express Car Wash joined Port Wentworth last year, and we are excited to be a part of the community,” Nunn said. “We are thrilled to provide a blank canvas for this inspiring initiative and are excited to see all of the creative ideas that come out of this vibrant community.”
Touchton said that the arts, culture, music, entertainment, and developing the culture is part of a bigger picture.
“When you have a healthy investment in all of those things, that’s what really brings community together, and you really start to see who the community is.” Touchton said.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: City of Port Wentworth holding competition for grand mural
