FORT SMITH (KFSM) – Well-known artists from around the world will be in Fort Smith next month for a festival.
The first mural for “The Unexpected Project” had two artists from Ireland painting in Fort Smith in March.
Several other artists from around the world will soon be painting their own.
Executive director of 646 Downtown John McIntosh knows what everyone can expect at the festival.
"It’s an open invitation to come downtown and watch these murals being painted,” he said.
He said the old S.H. Kress building on the south side of the 800 block of Garrison Avenue is about to have a lot more color.
Two artists from Brazil, who together, go by the name “Bicicleta” will be painting one side.
“They paint with big, broad strokes. And they juxtapose images with graphics and it's just fun. It’ll be a lot more fun than this red wall,” he said.
Just around the corner on the side of the building that faces Garrison Avenue, an artist named Ana Maria Ortiz, who is originally from Puerto Rico, will put her artwork on display.
“Her style -- it's whimsical. She uses animals, and she brings animals to life with sort of human features,” McIntosh said. “And it's really going to be fun, going to be a nice addition to Garrison Avenue."
Artists from Portugal, England and Belgium will also be in town, and McIntosh said he expects to see a total of nine murals downtown when the festival is all done.
"It makes Fort Smith more vibrant, to be downtown. And that's really our goal,” he said.
The festival begins Labor Day weekend, and ends September 13. There will be activities for the community all week long, and people will be encouraged to watch the artists do their work. There will be a bike race on Garrison Avenue on the last day of the festival. To see a full schedule, click here.
