PHOTO ESSAY: Tour the vibrant murals of Color the Creek
In its 8th year, Battle Creek's Color the Creek is a much-anticipated event, transforming the city into a lively canvas. Check out these eye-popping murals photographed by On the Ground's John Grap.
John Grap – Jamari Taylor of Battle Creek and Grand Rapids painted this mural on one of the walls of Trinity Neighborhood Center on Bidwell Street.
John Grap – Close up scenes of Jamari Taylor’s mural on one of the walls of Trinity Neighborhood Center
John Grap – Close up scenes of Jamari Taylor’s mural on one of the walls of Trinity Neighborhood Center
John Grap – David Eldred of Battle Creek and Glenwood Springs, Colorado painted this mural on one of the walls of The Arc of Calhoun County in downtown Battle Creek.
John Grap – Close up scenes of David Eldred’s mural on a wall of The Arc in downtown Battle Ceek.
John Grap – Close up scenes of David Eldred’s mural on a wall of The Arc in downtown Battle Ceek.
John Grap – Jars of Battle Creek works on mural on a wall of K and A Food Mart on Calhoun Street.
John Grap – Jars of Battle Creek works on mural on a wall of K and A Food Mart on Calhoun Street.
John Grap – Jaziel Pugh’s mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry is nearing completion.
Courtesy – Color the Creek map
Jaziel Pugh of Battle Creek works on his mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry.
John Grap – Painted work created by young people during Color the Creek.
John Grap – Painted work created by young people during Color the Creek.
John Grap – Jaziel Pugh’s mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry is nearing completion.
John Grap – Detail view of part of Jaziel Pugh’s mural
John Grap – Teaira Gray of Battle Creek painted this mural on the wall of the Art Center of Battle Creek.
John Grap – Battle Creek artist Duncan Holmes’ mural on the wall of 60 Calhoun Street.
John Grap – Overall view of Jars’ mural on the wall of the K and A Food Mart.
John Grap – Detail view of the center of Jars’ mural.
Battle Creek’s 8th Color the Creek was held throughout the community from August 12 to 20. Seven local artists painted murals on walls of buildings including The Arc in downtown Battle Creek, the Art Center, Trinity Neighborhood Center, and others.
In addition to mural painting the weeklong event featured an Art of Soul reception, downtown disc golf, a youth day, chalk painting and party, summer art fair and social Cafe Rica, and a clean up under the Washington Street Bridge with the Rotary Club of Battle Creek. Venues for the events included Cafe Rica and Festival Market Square. Check out these colorful photos by John Grap, Southwest Michigan Second Wave On the Ground Battle Creek photographer!
Close up scenes of Jamari Taylor’s mural on one of the walls of Trinity Neighborhood CenterClose up scenes of Jamari Taylor’s mural on one of the walls of Trinity Neighborhood Center
Jars of Battle Creek works on mural on a wall of K and A Food Mart on Calhoun Street.
Jars of Battle Creek works on mural on a wall of K and A Food Mart on Calhoun Street.
David Eldred of Battle Creek and Glenwood Springs, Colorado painted this mural on one of the walls of The Arc of Calhoun County in downtown Battle Creek.
Close up scenes of David Eldred’s mural on a wall of The Arc in downtown Battle Ceek.
Close up scenes of David Eldred’s mural on a wall of The Arc in downtown Battle Ceek.
Jaziel Pugh’s mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry is nearing completion.Jaziel Pugh of Battle Creek works on his mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry.
Jaziel Pugh’s mural on a wall of the Calhoun Laundry is nearing completion.Painted work created by young people during Color the Creek.
Painted work created by young people during Color the Creek.Detail view of part of Jaziel Pugh’s muralTeaira Gray of Battle Creek painted this mural on the wall of the Art Center of Battle Creek.Battle Creek artist Duncan Holmes’ mural on the wall of 60 Calhoun Street.Overall view of Jars’ mural on the wall of the K and A Food Mart.
Detail view of the center of Jars’ mural.
Color the Creek map
Partners for Color the Creek were the following: Battle Creek Community Foundation, Kellogg Community College, Binder Park Zoo, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
After overcoming a life-threatening illness, Battle Creek entrepreneur Nicole Hart launched New Eden Microgreens with support from local business organizations, bringing fresh, health-focused products to stores and restaurants across Southwest Michigan.
The Village Network of Battle Creek is dissolving after helping direct more than $1.25 million to BIPOC-led organizations and entrepreneurs, saying its mission to build community-led economic justice networks has successfully created lasting local momentum.
A new six-week Storefront Growth Lab in downtown Kalamazoo will help Southwest Michigan retail, restaurant, and service business owners improve profits, marketing, operations, and long-term growth through hands-on coaching and peer collaboration.
