PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa
Contact: Sandra Wolfe
pr@tuscarts.org
205-758-5195, x3
PUBLIC ART PROJECT UNDERWAY AT EGAN’S BAR
(TUSCALOOSA, Ala.) The Tuscaloosa Public Art Initiative is continuing with a mural project located on the west exterior wall at Egan’s Bar, 1229 Univ. Blvd., in Tuscaloosa. Artist Jason Tetlak’s proposal was chosen by the committee as the winning entry out of 23 total projects submitted this spring. Tetlak will be working on the project the week of May 8 with a press conference and official unveiling taking place on May 20 at 10 a.m.
The project is made possible in part by Buffalo Rock Pepsi, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Miers Pass Philanthropies with the additional support of McAbee Construction.
“The proposed mural utilizes overlaid text to create an abstract design of colors and shapes while creating an iconic design that locals, visitors and students alike will be able to use as a landmark and also for posing in front of for pictures,” said Tetlak. “The text in this mural is purposefully distorted in order to encourage viewers to stop and engage with the image. It reads “TUSCALOOSA” and is inspired by the goal of the project to brand the space and introduce bright, eye-catching color.”
Because spectators are encouraged to become part of the art experience, the mural design is also a red reveal image, meaning that there is a hidden message to be revealed with the help of a red filter or red lighting. While the hidden message can be left as a secret for people to discover on their own, it could also be revealed with hand-held paper decoder lenses that will be available at nearby businesses. “The hidden message in this case reads DRUID CITY in reference to the city’s historic nickname and to symbolically show that while mostly unseen, the past is always a part of who we are,” said Tetlak.
Tetlak has completed mural commissions in cities such as Jacksonville, Fla., Charleston, W.V. and Miami, Fl. He has been featured in solo and group shows including the Basel House 2018 as part of the Art Basel show in Miami. The artist founded and organized the Murray Hill Mural Project. He was also awarded the Guinness World Record in March 2018 for Largest 3D/Anaglyph Painting based on a mural project.
Tetlak holds the Bachelor of Fine Arts & Graphic Design from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Fl.
For more information about The Arts Council or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center,” or follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit www.tuscarts.org for further information.
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