Artwork displays collaboration between businesses, artists, city.
With assistance from the Downtown Business Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic downtown, the duo secured a grant from the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification in Action Grants (BIA). The BIA is funded by the 2% bed, board and beverage tax revenue and provides mini-grants for streetscape art and beautification.
“[The mural] really brings new energy to the area and showcases the ongoing collaboration between local business, artists and the city,” said Avery.
The DBA panel reviewed more than a dozen submissions by local artists and others from around the country. They decided on “The Writing Process” by talented local mural artist Joel Geist, whose other art includes the “Bee Generous” mural for the Assistance League of Flagstaff and the two murals on the tunnel that connects the Ponderosa Trails neighborhood and Fort Tuthill County Park, underneath I-17.
His mural for Bright Side Bookshop ties in the theme of literature and books. Painted on what is meant to look like parchment paper, it personifies the agony, patience, courage and creativity of the writing process. Two one-winged angels with the words “patience,” and “courage” adorn the top of the wall. While Avery says Geist’s mural is about books, these two words can be applied to any part of one’s life. There are several dimensional aspects to the mural, including the staircase made to look like drawers and a 3D typewriter, which is the access door to the basement.
“Plenty of people walk and drive through the area. When things look nice, it gives us pride in our surroundings. We’re hopeful it will continue to keep a focus on being a nice space for people to travel through,” said Lamberson.
Lamberson and Avery are grateful the grant process went smoothly, and their landlords made it easy for them to proceed quickly. They are proud to contribute to the beautification and art scene of the historic downtown.
The project also reflects the broader movement toward revitalizing downtown through creativity and collaboration. As independent business owners, the pair see art as an essential part of Flagstaff’s identity, supporting tourism and inspiring residents to walk through downtown to appreciate the various artwork. By embracing this project, they hope to encourage other business owners to explore what’s possible through community-supported beautification efforts.
The mural also adds a new destination to the growing Flagstaff Public Art Walk, a self-guided experience that highlights Flagstaff’s vibrant creative community.
Lamberson and Avery say they’re honored to have played a role in bringing a fresh spark of creativity to the area they love. FBN
By Mary Marini Parra, FBN
Courtesy Photo: Muralist Joel Geist created this literary scene on an exterior wall of Bright Side Bookshop, designed to capture the agony, patience, courage and creativity of the writing process on what looks like parchment paper.
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