Have an event we should know about? Please Contact Us
Highwood’s International Mural Fest
June 7
CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL MURAL FESTIVAL: JUNE 6-9, 2024
12 renowned artists to paint art installations on a dozen buildings throughout Highwood
HIGHWOOD, IL (MARCH 2024) –Join Celebrate Highwood as they launch a groundbreaking event June 6-9, 2024 throughout the City of Highwood in the their first-ever International Mural Festival. A diverse base of 12 internationally renowned muralists will paint vibrant art installations on the exterior walls 12 building throughout Highwood.
In addition to 12 hand-selected artists, this all-ages festival will feature hands-on art activities for attendees, a live-mural art area with pieces to be auctioned off, live music, food and drink vendors, an outdoor bar, and a full carnival. It’s a perfect event for the entire family!
“The City of Highwood is excited to bring these art installations to the city through this unique event,” says Scott Coren, City Manager. “We look forward to enriching our community and offering our residents and visitors an opportunity to experience these expressions of street art.”
International Mural Festival will have a lasting effect beyond the weekend, showcasing the richness of Highwood’s community, inviting all those who visit to celebrate the diverse tapestry of Highwood – from its residents to businesses – that all contribute to Highwood’s unique charm.
This festival is curated by Silvertuna Studios a NYC-based production company that specializes in the arts, as well as Laura “Lulu” Reich of Collect with Lulu, a NYC-based curator, art dealer and collector. Event beneficiary is The Art Center of Highland Park.
Artist pieces by International Mural Fest artists will be on display at The Art Center of Highland Park in May, so community members can check out their work before the Festival begins. “This Fest creates a legitimacy for street art and we are so thrilled to be a part of it,” says James Lynch, Director, The Art Center of Highland Park.
“We are passionate about public art, knowing what a difference the beauty of art can make in our daily lives,” says Reich. “Bringing artists to create these murals will be a positive experience highlighting a city I love, while supporting small businesses. Highwood is such a gem, and being a part of its transformation into an arts destination is a dream come true.”
Artists include: Chicago area artists include: Ruben Aguirre. Asend One, Anna Murphy, Dont Fret, E Lee, and Stuk One, as well as AL DIAZ and Chris RWK of NYC, Eelco from The Netherlands, and other visiting artists including Epic Uno, Wane COD, Zimad, and more! As these talented creatives beautify walls and installations throughout the City of Highwood, the community is invited to support the arts, get involved with interactive events, and watch the city transform throughout a weekend of engaging activities for all the senses. Locations in which murals will be painted include: Public Works, The Recreation Center, Bocce Club, Historical Society, Buffo’s and so many more!
“Mural Fest is a perfect addition to Highwood to further rank our community as a top destination in Illinois,” says Celebrate Highwood Founder and President, Eric Falberg. “Like our city, this festival will serve as a canvas for artistic expression and it’s the perfect platform to champion all the local businesses that make Highwood so unique. We envision this event becoming one we hold year after year.”
There will also be an on-line auction through Wednesday, June 12, with panels on display in Everts Park for bidding with all proceeds going to The Art Center Highland Park.
International Mural Fest activity schedule and locations below:
- Live Mural Art throughout Downtown Highwood,
- Thursday June 6-Sunday June 9
- Carnival, food, games, and bar located in the Highwood Metra Lot:
- Thursday and Friday, June 6-7, 5-10 PM
- Saturday, June 8, 1-10 PM
- Sunday, June 9 1-9 PM
- Live Music in the Highwood Metra Lot
- Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, 7-10 PM
- Sunday, June 9, 6-9 PM
- Mural Fest in Everts Park with live art murals and interactive art vendors, live music, food and drink vendors, and more
- Saturday, June 8, 11 AM-7 PM (Live music begins at Noon)
- Sunday, June 9, 11 AM-6 PM (Live music begins at Noon)
As details are secured for International Mural Fest, the full weekend schedule including music, carnival info, food vendors, sponsors including Blick, HIVE20 and Waterloo Sparkling Water, a VIP meet and greet night with artists, and map will be updated here: https://www.celebratehighwood.
Highwood encourages attendees to take Uber, Lyft, public transportation, or walk or ride bikes along the enhanced Green Bay Trail – Robert McLory Bike Trail which leads straight into the heart of Highwood. Ride the Metra north or south to the Highwood station, or take a Pace Bus. Free parking is available but spots are limited!
For more information on all of Celebrate Highwood’s 2024 series of family friendly festivals and events, please visit www.celebratehighwood.org, follow Celebrate Highwood on Facebook, or call 847.432.6000.
ABOUT CELEBRATE HIGHWOOD:
Celebrate Highwood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity established in August 2016. Managed and operated by volunteers, our mission is to bring community together to raise funds for local and national charities. Through producing events that cater to the citizens, businesses and visitors of Highwood, our goal is give back, build strong community spirit, and establish Highwood as THE prime entertainment destination for dining, festivals and events on the North Shore. For more information on all of Highwood’s festivals, please visit www.CelebrateHighwood.
