Featured photo: The new mural at The Golden Leaf by Zulu Painter.-Left to right: Lottie-Reid-owner and maître d’ of Golden Leaf, the artist Zulu Painter and an employee of Golden Leaf
Photos by L. M. Land
Written by Jameca Patrick-Singleton and L. M. Land
The outside entertainment area of the Golden Leaf Social Club was jam-packed and lively as the Free City Art Festival came to an end on Saturday July 2, 2022. Joe Schipani, executive director of the Flint Public Art Project, describes the weeklong festival as “successful” and said that it brought together artists from all over to continue his agency’s mission of beautifying Flint.
“There were 17 murals painted by artists from all over the world including, nine local artists and eight visiting artists” said Schipani.
He stated that multiple murals were painted on Saginaw Street and “a few off the beaten path”.
Though the festival was centered around the murals, there were multiple other events that took place during the festival, including workshops such as stencil projects, bee keeping, gardening, a food summit, music and a cabaret.
Saturday’s close-out event included spoken word poetry, singers, steel drums and the Eclipse band. Participants and community members enjoyed food, beverages and mingled amongst the artists. Two brand new murals were painted onsite at the Golden Leaf. Zulu Painter, an international artist, painted a mural of Aretha Franklin on the back wall of the building. Local muralist Charles Boike painted a backdrop for the outdoor stage.
Schipani stated that it was important that the close-out event took place at the Golden Leaf because of the historical presence that the social club has in the community. The Golden Leaf has been an important hub for black musicians for over 100 years.
As of this week, the Flint Public Art Project has contributed 250 murals to the city of Flint. You can find locations and more information on each mural on the PixelStix app.
Information about the Inner City Beekeeper Justin Bey,and the Food Summit can be found in their own articles online at www.theflintcouriernews.com.
