2021 Golden Paintbrush Recognitions

A fresh initiative designed to infuse art into our community. 

A2AC Murals is the culmination of pairing downtown building and business owners with local, regional, and national artists who transformed the building walls into spectacular expressions of their skill—providing the community and visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy these large, vibrant works of public art.

To make this dream a reality, we crowdfunded in July of 2020 and 2021 to raise $50,000 each year through Patronicity. These funds paid the artists a living wage and covered other mural expenses like equipment rentals, paint, permits, etc. Once this goal was met, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) matched our $50,000—doubling the impact of all donations leading up to the goal through their Public Spaces Community Places program.

A2AC Murals is made possible by the Lucie & Larry Nisson Art in Public Program.

Artist David Zinn created “Laughing at Clouds” a mural of the iconic scene in which Gene Kelly sings, dances, and swings from a lamppost in the rain. He created a fun illusion incorporating a real lamppost on the sidewalk. Gene Kelly's daughter, Kerry Kelly Noviak, is a longtime resident of Ann Arbor.