KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Public spaces will come to life in September as part of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo’s (ACGK) first ever “Brush the Block” mural festival.
After months of consideration, ACGK announced the seven artists chosen to transform public spaces across the city with “bold, original murals designed to inspire and connect the community.”
From Sept. 2-7, organizers said the following artists will paint large-scale murals on buildings throughout Kalamazoo and provided brief descriptions for each:
Amy O’Donnell Lueth
Based in Kalamazoo and originally from Seoul, South Korea, O’Donnell Lueth is known for her joyful, typography-driven murals that blend vintage signwriting with contemporary design. She will paint a mural on the Haymarket Building, 161 E. Michigan Ave.
DBL VSN (Chafe Hensley & Heidi Weiss)
This dynamic duo brings together bold illustration, fine art, and interior design to create vibrant, site-responsive murals. Their collaboration will be featured on The Stamped Robin, 128 Portage St.
Dania Grevengoed
A Grand Rapids muralist inspired by the natural world, Grevengoed’s work centers on native plants and the serenity of green spaces. She will paint the Main Street East Building, 251 E. Michigan Ave.
Ellen VanderMyde
A Kalamazoo-based artist, educator, and illustrator, VanderMyde’s work reflects a deep commitment to community and storytelling. She will collaborate with the Northside Association for Community Development to create a mural for their building at 612 N. Park St.
Maya Sophia Ananda James
An award-winning multidisciplinary artist and advocate, Ananda James uses public art to amplify underrepresented voices. Her mural, titled “We Got the Juice (In the Zoo),” will be painted on the Metro Transit Building, 459 N. Burdick St.
Patrick Hershberger (Gobonussaves, LLC)
Known for murals that uplift local history and voices, Hershberger has spent over a decade creating public art across Kalamazoo. His mural will appear in Farmers Alley, 145 Farmers Alley.
The week will also include community events, walking tours, artist talks, and family-friendly activities.
“Brush the Block continues to grow as a citywide celebration of creativity, storytelling, and collaboration,” Kristen Chesak, executive director of ACGK, said. “These artists are more than muralists, they are community builders who will help shape the look and spirit of our city.”
Full artist profiles, mural locations, and the complete festival schedule can be found online.
