Mesquite, TX – January 14, 2021 – The City of Mesquite is excited to announce the results of Downtown Mesquite’s first public art contest, with the winner’s art to be displayed at the new Front Street Station project in the City’s historic downtown area. The winners are Lauren Armstrong with Crosswinds, Leonardo Castillo with La Serenata, Jessica Chappell with Meet Me in Mesquite, Susie Cortez with Anaya Harmony, Paige Lehmann with When Joy Bursts Through the Cracks, Tony Morris with Mesquite Train Depot and Main Street and Daniel Yanez with Rare Rose.
In September 2020, the Mesquite Downtown Development Advisory Board, along with staff of the Mesquite Arts Center, conducted a Call for Artists for artwork to be reproduced and mounted on eight, 10’x7’panels in Downtown Mesquite.
Brad Brandt, the Mesquite Downtown Development Advisory Board Chair said, “We received more than 40 entries from professional and amateur artists as well as students throughout the area. We look forward to installing these pieces as the first of what we hope will be many public art opportunities in Downtown Mesquite for years to come.”
Front Street Station is a $5.5 million infrastructure improvement project under construction. The project includes under-ground upgrades like the installation of grease traps to accommodate restaurant development. In addition, the project will feature public art, more than 50 new parking spaces, a performance pavilion, an area for small events as well as a “pocket park” that will provide pedestrian passage between Front and Main Streets.
Downtown Development Manager Beverly Abell said, “Art in all forms is one of the lynchpins in our downtown development strategy. This project hits on several key priorities including providing public art, involving the public in the form of these artists and boosting the appearance of the district.”
Crosswinds by Lauren Armstrong La Serenata by Leonardo Castillo
Meet Me in Mesquite by Jessica Chappell
Anaya Harmony by Susie Cortez
Mesquite Train Depot by Tony Morris
Main Street by Tony Morris
Rare Rose by Daniel Yanez
When Joy Bursts Through the Cracks by Paige Lehmann