On May 4th the public is invited to join artists as they install eight murals, transforming the formerly graffiti-covered space into a public art gallery behind 1501 S. Main Street (115 E. 15th Street). Work for several murals is already underway, with participating artists planning to finish installation on the day of the event. 

The initiative is part of DLRP's ongoing commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of downtown Little Rock and fostering a sense of community pride. By transforming this alley into a showcase of artistic expression, MuralFest aims to create a more inviting and engaging environment for residents and visitors alike. 

"Public art has a way of bringing new energy to a space," said Gabe Holmstrom, Executive Director of Downtown Little Rock Partnership. "This is an exciting opportunity to bring talented local artists together to make a big impact in a short amount of time." 

The DLRP Public Spaces Committee is working with the artists, building owners, and paint sponsor Sherwin Williams to revitalize underutilized spaces and promote the arts as a catalyst for positive change.  

MuralFest will kick off at noon on May 4th, with artists working throughout the day to complete their masterpieces. The public can engage with the artists and learn more about their creative process. The event is part of the 501Fest celebration, which features live music, vendors, food trucks and more FREE family fun from 11-6pm.  

"We invite everyone to join us for MuralFest and witness the transformation of this alley into a vibrant outdoor gallery," added Holmstrom. "Together, we can continue to make downtown Little Rock a destination for art, culture, and community, and who knows if you stand around too long an artist might even hand you a paint brush and put you to work!" 

The Participating artists are: 

Lisa Krannichfeld is an award-winning, multi-media figurative artist from Little Rock, AR. Her work challenges traditional representations of women with a maximalist approach through the combination of seemingly incompatible materials. She received her BA from Colorado College and Master’s of Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has exhibited work around the United States, parts of Europe, Australia, and Asia. Her work belongs to prominent collections including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, The Historic Arkansas Museum, Hot Springs National Park, The Bennett Collection, The Argenta Mural Project, and The Oz Collection. Her work has received numerous juried art awards, the most recent being the 2024 Arkansas Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts Artist Award and the 2023 Women United Art Prize in Painting/Drawing. Her work has been published extensively and is collected by art patrons worldwide.

Emily Moll Wood is a visual artist who paints a lot of flowers and portraits. She holds a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and has taught painting classes for over 15 years, most being at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Her work has won awards in numerous juried exhibitions and can be found in many private and public collections such as the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Springfield (Missouri) Art Museum.

Jessica Jones is an Italian American artist. Born and raised in Florida she started traveling the country, living in several states, before landing in central Arkansas. A self taught artist she began her public art journey in 2012 with natural and upcycled 3D installations at Bonnaroo Music festival, but she truly found her niche painting her first mural in 2016. Since then she has painted over 100 walls across Arkansas and the rest of the U.S.A. She specializes in both brushwork and spray paint applications. She is deeply inspired by native flora and fauna and spending time outdoors. When she isn’t arting in public she loves to retreat to her plot of land in the woods with her husband, three kids, and ever growing menagerie of animals.

Jose Hernandez: With The Firm Belief That Art Is A Responsibility And Not A Privilege, Art Is The Reflection Of Our Community, Our History, And Beliefs. In This Way We Manifest Ourselves, We Tell Our Stories, And Spark A Dialogue With Our Community. What We Aim To Achieve Is To Visually Communicate Our Presence, A Reaction To Our Situation, Our History, To Educate And Influence Those That Are Not Aware, And Hopefully Gain A Better Understanding Of Our Society, And Of Ourselves. Sparking Communication Through The Manipulation Of Color, Perspective, Form, And Imagination. We Are Dedicated, Because Talent Is Not Enough

Perrion Y. Hurd is a master printmaker, public art muralist and teaching artist. His subject matter revolves around his love of music and geometric shapes with strong lines and bold colors that reflect the influence of Southern African American culture and experience and the themes of Afrofuturism. Hurd’s eight signature large-scale murals are prominently displayed on the exterior of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in downtown Little Rock and the historic Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock. Hurd is also the recipient of the Governor’s Arts Awards' 2022 Individual Artist Award from the Arkansas Arts Council.

Maryanne Nolley: As an artist, I find myself unable to resist the call to create. With over a decade of experience as an art educator, I've cultivated a love for a multitude of mediums, each offering its own unique avenue for expression. Whether it's fibers, digital art, photography, or mural work, I immerse myself fully in the process.

Fibers holds a special place in my heart, weaving together strands of tradition, innovation, and personal narrative. Through textiles, I explore the tactile nature of art, inviting viewers to engage not only visually but also through touch, evoking a sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of experiencing the work.

Murals offer a grand canvas upon which to leave my mark on the world. I seek to transform public spaces into vibrant reflections of community, culture, and identity. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, I aim to not only beautify but also provoke thought and spark conversation, fostering connections among viewers.

Art is a journey of exploration, discovery, and growth. Through my work, I strive to inspire others to embrace their own creativity, to see the world through a lens of possibility, and to never shy away from the challenges that lie ahead.

Layet Johnson is a freelance unicorn trainer in Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds a degree in shoestring theory from Banyan Tree University. His favorite food is upside down tofu. 

(Portrait drawing in glasses)

Mark Broadstone is a being made from dark matter and gas. His spirit resides in Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds a degree in useless studies from the school of hard knocks. His favorite food is nails.