Public Art
The Public Art Committee of Marietta Main Street works to enhance and enliven downtown Marietta's public spaces through the visual arts.
The Public Art Committee of Marietta Main Street facilitates the placement of temporary and permanent two- and three-dimensional artwork throughout downtown Marietta.
The purpose of these works is to enhance and enliven our public spaces, as well as our community’s sense of place and identity. The placement of public art in downtown Marietta is meant to encourage both residents and visitors alike to move throughout our downtown, exploring and discovering new aspects of our cityscape. While a variety of themes may be visible in these works, emphasis is placed on those works that honor the unique history and heritage of Marietta.
Mural designed by Alix Northtrup, Public Art Committee Member, and hand-painted alongside other artists during the Pop-Up Collaborative Mural Day in September 2020.
current opportunities
CALL FOR ARTISTS: MARIETTA MURAL RFQ
The Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee invites local and regional artists to submit qualifications to be considered to participate in the design and installation of a mural celebrating the community of Marietta in a specific location downtown, in the alleyway entry on the 200 block of Second Street. The final piece will be a two-dimensional, hand-painted mural that celebrates the heritage, identity, and/or culture of the community.
RFQ Submissions are due by April 5th, 2024, at 5:00 pm to director@mariettamainstreet.org.
Our Projects
Since 2016, the Public Art Committee has successfully implemented 12 projects for a total investment of over $36,000.
Electrical Box
Installed: 2024
Artwork Designed by: Alaina Pellett
Installed by: Jordana Bungard
Location: Corner of 5th and Washington
POST STREET MURAL GALLERY
Installed: 2023
Framed Designed and Fabricated by: Todd Morrow
Featured Gallery Artists: Jessica King, Jon Eells, Beth Nash, Liz Davenport, Cam Benson, and Joe Ryckebosch
Photos by: Michelle Waters
Location: Along the bike path on Post Street
Art Local Program
Marietta Main Street launched a new effort in 2022 to support the investments of downtown building and business owners into public art, matching up to $1,500 or 50% for interior and exterior art projects on downtown buildings. Marietta Main Street supported two mural installations through the Art Local Program in 2022, leveraging over $6,000 in investment.
Woodland Mural by Leah Seaman
Wit & Whimzy, 154 Front Street
Colorful Community Mural by Alix Northup
Clutch Collective MOV, 152 Front Street
“ohio river tunnel” mural
Installed: 2021
Mural Design & Painting by: Hailey Bennett, Beth Nash, Bobby Rosenstock, & Julie Zickefoose
Artist Assistants: Sarah Arnold, Bonie Bolen, Savannah King, Abigail Litman, Jolene Powell, Leah Seaman, and Liam Thompson
Location: Tunnel underneath the Putnam Street Bridge
“rooted in kindness” mural
Installed: 2021
Artist: Alix Northrup
Location: Corner of Front and Butler Streets
Collaborative Murals
Installed: 2020
Local Artists: Beth Nash, Erin Zerbe, Hailey Bennett, Geoff Schenkel, Mason Beuhring, Kat Hendrickson, Meg Rataiczak, Zeb Dye, Savannah King, Emma Romanowski, Sara Rosenstock, Bobby Rosenstock, Alix Northrup, Sarah Arnold, and Greta Guimond
Location: Alley between the 200-block of Front & Second Streets
Historic Photo Mural Series
Installed: 2017-2020
Designer: Sara Rosenstock
Photos Courtesy of Marietta College Special Collections
Location: Corner of Front and Butler Streets
Pearl of Appalachia Mural
Installed: 2016
Artist: Bobby Rosenstock
Location: Corner of Front and Butler Streets
Love Lock Tree
Installed: 2016
Artist: Zachary Orcutt
Location: Marietta Harbor
Our awards
Collaborative Murals
2021 Best Ohio Main Street Committee Project
Award by Heritage Ohio
Ohio River Tunnel Mural
2022 Best Ohio Main Street Committee Project
Award by Heritage Ohio
These projects are made possible thanks to generous contributions from private donors, the Marietta Community Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, and local businesses.
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