Muralist named to paint iconic community mural on Farwell Recreation Center

Muralist named to paint iconic community mural on Farwell Recreation Center

• Mural is first commissioned using the new City Public Art Fund
• Artist was chosen because of his youth and innovative ideas

DETROIT - Community stewards of the Farwell Recreation Center have chosen an artist to paint a mural on the center’s wall facing Outer Drive.

The winner is Cameron Jenkins, a 26-year-old muralist known for the 948-square foot mural on the wall of the Meijer Rivertown Market Mural on Jefferson Avenue, which was done with spray and acrylic paint.

“I’m excited to get started!” Cameron said upon hearing the news. “Combining my ideas with the Farwell community is gonna be a cool way to create a dynamic, eye-catching mural that’ll channel the community’s aesthetics and stories while incorporating my natural vibrant style.”

The mural is the first commissioned mural using the newly established Detroit Public Art Fund, which is generated by fees from businesses that advertise on large signs in the city.

Cameron’s excitement was echoed by Councilman Scott Benson, who championed the legislation establishing the Fund, and whose office co-sponsored the community meetings. “I am excited about the residents’ selection of Cameron to bring their vision of a mural to reality,” Benson said. “This community-led public art project will be the first of many funded by the Public Art Fund.”

Selection committee members said they hoped that Jenkins’ youth would inspire more young people to contribute artwork to their neighborhoods in District 3.

Jenkins, in his artist statement, said he wanted the mural to “have therapeutic value for those who are healing or seeking a deeper understanding of themselves within the Farwell neighboring community,” he said. “In previous works, I’ve explored the metaphor of how “Diamonds” are formed, illustrating the strength radiated after surviving the pressures of life. I firmly want to incorporate this concept into the Farwell Rec Center project, connecting to the resilience and strength of the community.”

Community members also were impressed with Jenkins’ suggesting that the mural would not be limited to paint, but also incorporate other elements to be permanently installed. And they said they appreciated that he visited the community and spoke with residents ahead of the selection. Jenkins will meet with and interview community members over the next few weeks to prepare to reveal his preliminary sketch for the project.

The projected completion date for the project is the end of September.