Layne Stracener

Editorial Assistant

The Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is seeking the community’s input on the summer mural project, a beautification project that selects local artists to paint murals on various buildings in the Historic Northeast reflecting the diversity and rich history of the community.

This year’s mural theme is “Independence Avenue: Past, Present, and Future.” Local artists can sketch their representation of this theme on 2-foot by 4-foot art boards that are available at the Northeast Chamber at 2657 Independence Ave from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The project kicked off May 7 at the Mural Day Celebration in the Mayfair Cleaners parking lot. Artists of murals painted in previous years were recognized and spoke about their work.

The Northeast Kansas City Chamber is accepting submissions until June 17, said Northeast Chamber of Commerce Summer Intern David Tamez.

So far, four mural boards have been submitted. The artists are Maria Glorioso, Armando Mesa, Zac Laman, and a collaboration between Rachael Cross and Dalton Elliot.

Currently, the mural boards are at the North-East Branch Public Library for public viewing and voting. They will be at The Inn at 425 (425 Gladstone Blvd.) for Art INN the Garden, an event that features art to view and buy, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 15.

The mural boards will be back at the library June 17-21. On June 22, they will be at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (1750 Independence Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the World Refugee Day celebration event.

June 22 will be the last day for people to vote and comment on the art.

Anybody can vote or leave comments at any of the public viewing locations. You can also tweet or message @kcchamber or message or post on the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

“Our main interest is in the public’s comments on the boards and what elements they really like or do not like,” Tamez said.

The winner(s) will be announced at the Chamber Luncheon June 25 at the Northeast Chamber of Commerce. There could be multiple winners, said Tamez, but it depends on multiple factors. The location for the murals has not yet been decided.

Questions regarding entry requirements can be sent to events.director@nekcchamber.com.