The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce that the first mural to be painted this summer as part of Fresh Waves 2022 will be at the Marina Building, located at 400 E. Chisholm St. in the Alpena Boat Harbor.

The murals on both walls will be painted by Saginaw based artist Kayla Peake beginning Monday, July 11 and will be completed by the beginning of the Brown Trout Festival on Friday, July 15, 2022.

“I am an artist because art is the purest form of connection and I feel incomplete if I’m not creating. Michigan is so full of natural beauty, our anthropogenic dwellings should complement this beauty, not detract from it,” said muralist Kayla Peake in her artist statement.

“My style of art is inspired by Mid-Twentieth Century design, American traditional tattoos, and the natural beauty of our wonderful state. I came across the Fresh Waves project on Facebook and was excited to see a community based project promoting public street art. I have participated in similar events in Saginaw and Columbus, and thought the communal support and celebration of art and artists was magical. Northern Michigan in the summer has been my place of reprieve for my entire life and has given me so much joy and so many memories. Participating in the Fresh Waves event will allow me to give back to the region that has made me who I am.”

Over the last year, the City of Alpena has been investing in and improving the marina, which is in the DDA district and only a few minutes walk from the heart of downtown. Two new businesses have also opened in the Marina Building, All Marine Storage, a full marine repair shop and boat parts supplier, and Cochon Gourmet Market of Alpena, a gourmet grocer with meats, cheeses, snacks, and more.

“The Harbor Advisory Committee and I are excited about the addition of Kayla’s artwork to the Alpena Marina,” said Harbormaster Shannon Smolinski. “This project will be a big step forward in the rehabilitation of the marina building and the overall revitalization of the entire marina.”

If you’re visiting Downtown Alpena this July, make sure you stop by to see the progress and check out the mural once it’s complete. You can also stay up to date on the progress by following Downtown Alpena on Facebook, instagram, and (newly created!) TikTok.

You can learn more about Fresh Waves and other murals completed through the project in Downtown Alpena by visiting here. If you’re an artist interested in signing up for notifications about opportunities to paint in the future, you can submit your contact information here.