During a recent meeting of the Bexley Board of Zoning and Planning, officials discussed the upcoming Bexley Mural Festival, a project aimed at revitalizing the community's Main Street corridor. The festival, initially proposed before the pandemic, has gained momentum with funding secured through grants and the Main Street streetscape Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program.

Mayor Kessler highlighted the inspiration for the festival, drawn from a successful mural initiative in Jackson, Michigan, which transformed its downtown area. The Bexley Mural Festival aims to infuse vibrancy into the local landscape, particularly focusing on the east portion of East Main Street, where several buildings are in need of aesthetic enhancement.

Megan, a project coordinator, provided updates on the selection process for artists, revealing that ten finalists were chosen from a wide call. The festival will feature murals on three primary locations: Rubino's, Second Glance Hair and Nail, and WesBanco. Each location will showcase multiple art pieces, allowing for a diverse representation of styles and themes.

In addition to the main murals, the festival will include supplementary projects, such as mural stripes at Bexley Square and a family member's mural for a local business. The city has committed to maintaining the murals for 15 years, ensuring their vibrancy and longevity through annual protective coatings.

The board approved the installation of the public art, with discussions emphasizing the importance of compensating artists fairly for their work. The city will cover initial costs for materials and provide necessary equipment for the artists during the festival.

Overall, the Bexley Mural Festival is poised to enhance the community's aesthetic appeal while fostering local artistic talent, with the inaugural event scheduled for September.