The Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA) will partner with David Grandon on a mural of “birds of Arizona” in flight across the school’s building which faces Fort Valley Road. Grandon is currently working with FALA’s students in Advanced Draw, Paint & Print and Art Studio and is instructing students in the execution of this large-scale mural.
FALA is hosting a public meeting on its campus where those interested can see the design, meet with Grandon and with some of the students who will be working on the project. The meeting is scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 27 at 5:30pm at 3401 N Fort Valley Rd.
Grandon anticipates beginning the mural sometime in October of this year.
Grandon holds a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Art History from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. He is renowned in Flagstaff for his mural art at Puente de Hozho Elementary School, Coconino High School, Flagstaff Aquaplex, Flagstaff Public Library, and the Pine Canyon Clubhouse.
Grandon has worked extensively on art projects with Flagstaff’s youth through his murals, through children’s art programs in Heritage Square, and the “Chalk-A-Lot” sidewalk art festival. He has also taught figure drawing and illustration at Coconino Community College and has worked as a professional artist, owning a gallery in downtown Flagstaff.
“Students in my classes study the history of art from the caves of Lascaux, to Diego Rivera, to contemporary street artists in cities around the world,” said FALA art educator Janeece Henes. “Their ability to work alongside an accomplished artist such as David Grandon affords them the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and hone their artistic skills.”
“Good examples of Grandon’s skill in depicting birds and animals can be seen in any of the murals he has created around town,” said Becky Daggett, FALA’s Executive Director. As this is Arizona’s Centennial, we’re excited to create this mural depicting birds found throughout our state.”
Funding for this project has been made possible through a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Community Initiative funding from each of the Coconino County Supervisors.