Last-minute change to DoMo Walls mural location. Where the new art will go up in Modesto
There’s been a location change for one of the planned DoMo Walls murals.
Instead of painting her mural on the back of The Century in downtown Modesto, artist Emily Ding will make a wall on the old Pacific Bell building her canvas, according to Stephanie Foster, director of district identity for the nonprofit Downtown Modesto Partnership (DoMo).
DoMo puts on the mural festival annually, curated by Modesto artist Aaron Vickery, known as Fasm. This year it begins Sunday, Oct. 1, and runs through Friday, Oct. 6.
The need for the change came up Wednesday night, Foster said.
“There was no ill will or anything,” she said. “We understand and appreciate the hesitation around allowing artists to install murals that they (building owners) don’t necessarily get to commission.”
DoMo was able to finalize the new location, at 1012 11th St., Thursday night when the owner, Greg Reed of Modesto, agreed to have his building be part of the event, Foster said.
“Not only is he allowing us to paint on his property but he’s also donating to DoMo Walls to help cover costs,” she said of Reed. “He really understands the mission of beautifying downtown Modesto.”
Ding, an artist from Los Angeles, will paint her mural on the north-facing side wall of the building, which now houses offices, Foster said.
A second mural will go up on the alleyway wall of the new Modesto Children’s Museum, at 928 11th St. It will be painted by artist Ricky Watts of San Francisco, with Fly Lord of Modesto adding an additional touch.
In that same area, Vickery and his daughter, Basil Vickery, will create another mural on the backside of Food Fix, according to Foster.
The murals will be featured during the season finale of the downtown street festival, DoMo First Fridays, from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 6. Plans include vendors, a break-dancing competition, salsa dancing, live music, food and drink for purchase, a beer garden by Track 424, giant street games and more.
This story was originally published September 29, 2023 at 1:54 PM.
