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It was 2021 when the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau joined forces with local business owner Min Dai and renowned artist J. Muzacz to create Mural Festival, an innovative event that brought artists from around the country, to not only enhance the downtown scene, but also make a significant impact in the community and generate a massive presence on social media.
The vibrant city of Beaumont is set to become a living canvas that promises to transform the city during the third annual Mural Festival that showcases the incredible talent of local artists within the community as well as national and international artists.
The Beaumont Mural Festival will be held March 2-3, at The Event Centre in downtown Beaumont. Both local and visiting artists will paint the town with their talents to build on the art scene in the area. In addition to the art, there will be free festivities for the whole community from artisan pop-up galleries and free craft projects to live music, entertainment, food trucks, and vendors for a city-wide celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 2, and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on March 3.
“Beaumont Mural Fest is not just about paint on walls; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of art to inspire,” said Christina Lokey, director of marketing and tourism for the Beaumont CVB. “This event promises to be a visual feast, bringing people together through the shared appreciation of public art for free thanks to the city of Beaumont. Their support has allowed this festival to be free and open to the community.”
Nine new artists from the U.S., four new international artists, nine returning artists, and 13 local artists from the last two years will be completing their works to “wow” the community in just three days. The community is encouraged to utilize the Beaumont Mural Festival Map to witness the artists as they work March 2-3. There will be pop-up art installations at the festival site that will include 10 cubes that are 8-foot-by 8-foot, a 40-foot Mardi Gras parade float, and the Giglio Distributing Warehouse, which will all be painted throughout the event. Those who attend the event will also have opportunities to partake.
This year’s headliners feature a gifted group of artists from around the world including international talents like Nil Safont (@slimsafont) of Barcelona, Sebas Velasco (@sebavelasco1) from Spain, Chris Chanyang Shim, also known as Royyal Dogg (@royyaldog) from Korea, Russell “Sofles” Fenn (@sofles) of Australia, plus Nuria “Ms. Yellow” Ortiz, Rachel “Wolfe Pack” Wolfe-Goldsmith, Bill Tavis, Lauren “Squid Licker” Ys, Kevin Burdick, Floyd Mendoza III, Niz and Austria-born Nychos.
Jessica Serna, a social media influencer under the moniker of @MyCurlyAdventures (who has more than 1 million followers), will collaborate with local artist Ines Alvidres on Saturday, March 2, from noon to 2 p.m.
The Event Centre’s Great Lawn will also host inflatables for kids to enjoy and get up close and personal and even paint cubes with artists Meghan Cobb and Henry Art Smith.
But that’s not all – brace yourself for five stunning murals to be painted by five artists that span 8,000 square feet, generously provided by Giglio Distributing Company on the warehouse located just across from the Event Centre.
Though the festival is slated for two days, artists will be painting murals beginning Feb. 29. One location is near the “Cultivation” mural is painted, which is near the Event Centre on the Washington Boulevard/ Irving Avenue underpass. A massive 80-foot mural will be painted there and two blocks from the Event Centre, two artists will paint an entire building.
In addition to the murals and other projects being worked on throughout the weekend, the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) is participating in the festivities. Middle school BISD students will participate on Friday, March 1. Students will participate in activities at the Event Centre, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, The Energy Museum, and the Children’s Museum. There will be two cubes to paint – one at the Event Centre and one at the Art Museum. High school students are also included in the creativity of Mural Festival. Three cubes will be delivered to the high schools in Beaumont to be painted by students. Beaumont United, West Brook High School, and Early College High School will enjoy painting the 8-foot-by 8-foot cubes on their campuses.
“Murals and art are more than just an Instagram or photography fad; they’re a form of visual storytelling and an investment in the community,” said added Lokey. “This event is three days of good times, that will last for a long time.”
The excitement begins with an artist meet and greet Thursday, Feb. 29, from 7-9 p.m. at Pour09 Bar and Rooftoop (6165 Muela Creek Drive). Attendees can expect a diverse range of mural styles, themes, and techniques, reflecting the unique perspectives of each participating artist and purchase event T-shirts.
“I thought it would be hard to beat last year’s festival after ‘Genesis’ mural, located at 1600 Cedar St.,” said Dai, owner of the Obana Restaurant Group. “With such a large canvas for this year’s festival at the center of downtown, this is just the start of the impressive event.”
For more information about Beaumont Mural Fest, including the event schedule, please visit beaumontcvb. com/mural-festival.
“We play such a vital role in this festival, not for the event, but for the lasting legacy of murals that will captivate and inspire visitors for years to come,” said Dean Conwell, executive director of the Beaumont CVB.