Urbana panel previews four finalists for $50,000 downtown mural; commissioners to rank candidates by ballot

Olivia Jovi, the City of Urbana’s director of community development services, and Kelly from 40 North presented four shortlisted artists for a proposed downtown mural project funded by a $50,000 city allocation.

The presentation described a process that began with a call for portfolios emphasizing large-scale exterior mural experience and realistic budgets; staff said the property owner (Mike Hoser) approved use of his wall. Kelly of 40 North said the $50,000 “is covering all and anything that they would need” for the project and that artists were asked to include equipment and travel in their budgets.

Why it matters: The mural will occupy a highly visible downtown civic site. Staff said they prioritized artists with lift experience and realistic budgets because the wall is two stories and the surface texture is unusual.

Staff presented the biographies and portfolios of four candidates: Alexandria/Alexandra Jade (multi-disciplinary murals), a local team (Ekka and Lisa Kesler), Jose Vasquez (street-artist and video-game industry concept artist), Langston Alustin (community-centered public artist), and Matthew Madira (Cool Disco Rich), an experienced muralist based in Chicago. Kelly noted many applicants were local and some were from outside the region; international submissions were not advanced because travel costs would consume the budget.

Selection process: Commissioners were told they will receive a Google sheet and be asked to rank the artists (1 = favorite, 4 = least preferred). Staff and 40 North will compile rankings; if there is a tie, the commission will revisit the decision. Staff estimated that, with contracts signed and coordination with Public Works and Finance, artists could begin site preparation in late spring or early summer.

Quotes: Kelly (40 North) said the selection focused on experience with large walls and rigging and explained the budget requirement: “the 50,000 that is coming from the city is covering all and anything that they would need is covered by that amount.” Olivia Jovi said the city will coordinate artist meetings with the mayor and that final designs will be unique to Urbana and are expected to include some community engagement.

Logistics and responsibilities: Staff clarified that artists are responsible for procuring lifts and equipment as part of their budget; 40 North can assist with introductions but the city will not provide equipment. Langston Alustin was noted as certified on a boom lift and said he would hire local assistants if selected.

Next steps: Commissioners will rank the candidates via the Google sheet; 40 North and staff will notify selected artists and prepare contracts, with a planned presentation of the selected slate to the commission and a contract-signing deadline of June 15. The commission will revisit selections only in the event of a tie or other unresolved issue.

The meeting closed with routine business and adjournment.