The UrbanArt Commission and the City of Memphis launched the second iteration of the District Mural Training Program in 2017 to provide mural training and professional development to seven Memphis-based artists. Each artist was awarded a mural commission, to be installed at sites such as community centers, parks, and other public facilities. Throughout the design process, the artists hosted open discussions with neighborhood residents in an effort to create murals that were responsive to the community’s hopes and concerns.

The District Mural Program Open House gathers together the documents of this year-long process, including original designs and sketches, digital installation mock-ups, and photos of community events, workshops, and neighborhood “paint days.” Additionally, studio work by many of the DMP artists is on display along the south wall of the UAC Gallery.


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Paula Kovarik is a textile artist whose work has been profiled in American Craft, Fiber ArtNow, and Art Quilting Studio. Kovarik sees stitching as an extension of her thoughts, and welcomes moments of surprise in her practice. Her work is about the inner coming out, intimate attention, and the work of layering, ripping, and cutting. She holds a BFA from Southern Illinois University, and for 30 years was the owner and creative director of Shades of Gray graphic design studio.


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