Downtown Modesto walls getting a makeover. Some will be visible from popular park
Audiences listening at next summer’s MoBand concerts at Graceada Park’s Mancini Bowl also will get a visual treat, thanks to DoMo Walls.
Four traveling artists and one local artist will create large-scale murals on downtown Modesto walls during the annual DoMo Walls project. They will work from 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4.
Two of the murals will be visible from the concerts at Graceada Park: on walls at 1414 L St. and 1115 15th St., according to an email from Heidi Savage, CEO at the Downtown Modesto Partnership.
DoMo Walls is presented by the nonprofit Downtown Modesto Partnership (DoMo) and curated by local artist Aaron Vickery, known as “Fasm,” according to a press release. The project began in 2018.
“Over the years, this event has added an impressive 25 world-class murals to the heart of our city, contributing to its cultural richness,” the release said.
While anyone can stop by daily to view the artists at work, the completed murals will be celebrated Oct. 4 during this season’s last DoMo First Fridays street fair.
Artists this year are:
▪ Blake Reagan, from Eureka, painting at 1414 L St.
▪ Mister Toledo, from Los Angeles, at California Beauty College, 1115 15th St.
▪ Miss Teal, from Santa Cruz County, at the Best Western, 909 16th St.
▪ Qvo, from San Bernardino, at 1016 12th St.
▪ Vickery (Fasm) will paint on a second wall at California Beauty College.
“Murals help create a more meaningful public space, encourage community engagement and beautify urban spaces,” Kathryn Davis, board chair of DoMo, said in the release. “They are a key part of downtown’s transformation, making it more vibrant and engaging.”
The project receives resources from community donations, including boom lifts from Thomas Brothers Equipment Rentals and accommodations for the artists from Best Western Town House Lodge, the release said. DoMo Walls donors are listed on the event’s website, domowalls.com.
“Public art has the power to transform environments and bring people together,” Savage said in the release. “We are so grateful for the generosity and faith of community partners who continue to reinvest in downtown Modesto’s revitalization efforts.”
Vickery emphasized the attraction such artistic works bring to downtown.
“With each unique mural, we add a ‘Woah!’ moment for each first-time viewer,” Vickery said in the press release. “That makes downtown Modesto a very special place to explore.”
