Courtesy Photo In this photo provided by the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, a mural by artist Britt Flood is seen on side of PIF Cider in downtown Alpena.

ALPENA — The Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is looking for artists who are interested in painting vibrant murals in downtown Alpena this summer as part of the Fresh Waves project.

Interested artists have until Sunday, April 20 to submit their application to be considered to participate in the project this summer. Downtown property owners are also able to apply to have a mural painted on their building, with the same April 20 deadline.

Now in its seventh year, Fresh Waves is a public arts initiative that was created in 2019 to introduce vibrant, one-of-a-kind artwork to downtown Alpena. There have been 27 pieces of artwork completed throughout the downtown district by artists from all over the country through the project.

In 2024, Fresh Waves acquired four new murals painted by all different artists, two of which were painted on buildings in the new DDA boundary expansion area.

“Every summer I am always so excited to see the new murals being painted throughout the downtown area,” said DDA Administrative Assistant Savannah Peterson. “They are all so unique and every time I walk or drive by one of them, I appreciate them more and more each time. The Fresh Waves project is an amazing addition to downtown Alpena.”

Artists interested in applying need to submit the following by midnight on April 20:

¯ Completed artist application form;

¯ Link to online portfolio or samples of previous work;

¯ A reference from a past commission;

¯ Up to three concepts of what would be painted (could be a written description, rough sketch, or concept).

Selected artists will receive compensation for services rendered and supplies. Artists do not need to be based in Michigan to apply. Property owners within the DDA district are also encouraged to apply to have a mural painted on their building. Both applications can be viewed here: downtownalpenami.com/fresh-waves-mural-project.

For more information about being a part of Fresh Waves, reach out to the DDA Office by calling 989-356-6422 or emailing anneg@alpena.mi.us.