We started the Urban Canvases on The Ave mural project with the idea of adding beauty to our buildings on The Ave, increasing their historical value, and, at the same time, calling attention to some of the historical and cultural characteristics of the area. That’s why we’re calling the concept “urban canvases.”
The latest mural is on the side of the building at 636 E. Landis Avenue, and we’re launching it with a press conference this Thursday, at 11 a.m., at Vegans Are Us. It is being done by noted artist and muralist Erin DiPalma, a lifelong Vinelander with a passion for her home city; it will have a food-related theme. With this area an agricultural center, and The Ave a mecca for restaurants specializing in genuine ethnic cuisine, this is entirely apropos—and the building on which the mural is being painted has long been a restaurant.
This is the latest in a planned series of murals. A mural on the side of the building at 616 E. Landis Avenue was a community project through Appel Farm Arts & Music Center in 2011. This was followed in 2019 by a military-themed mural by renowned artist George Perez on the side of the building at 433-435 W. Landis Avenue, overlooking the southwest mini-park.
The project has been helped by the generosity of grantors, which have contributed funds or services. The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission/Department of State and Ace Hardware are generous grantors for the present mural.
So, come to the press conference and stay tuned for additional exciting developments. And while you’re on The Ave for the press conference, stop by Vegans Are Us, right in 636 E. Landis Avenue, or any of the other great restaurants downtown and treat yourself to lunch. You’ll be glad you did!
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Come out this Saturday, May 8, for Spring Planting Day. It’ll take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., rain or shine, at the mini-parks at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard. While you’re thinking of flowers for Mother’s Day, set aside a few hours that day and help us add beauty to focal points in our downtown. This year, we’re looking for some ambitious adults to come and help out. We’ll have gardener’s gloves and tools for you—or you can bring your own. Just come with your green thumb and enthusiasm for making this weekend extra special—not only for Mom, but also for The Ave. To help, just give the Main Street Vineland office a call at 856-794-8653 or e-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll fit you in.
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The Running The Ave 5K on June 27, registration is open. Over the past two years we’ve had runners from throughout the Delaware Valley participate. Be one of them by going to Main Street Vineland’s website—theave.biz—and sign up.
