You Won't Believe What Stunning New Mural Planet Fitness Is Hiding—Get Ready for a Jaw-Dropping Reveal!

In the heart of downtown St. Albans, public art is set to bloom further this summer, with exciting plans for a new mural on the side of the local Planet Fitness. The St. Albans downtown board will consider design proposals from three artists at their upcoming April meeting, igniting a conversation about the role of public art in community identity and engagement.

Julia Morrison, an art teacher at Shelburne Community School and a passionate advocate for local art, has taken the lead in this initiative. “We have a total of three artists submitting proposals for that April board meeting,” she explained, emphasizing the objective of creating a lively, welcoming piece that brightens the Main Street wall.

A Canvas for Community Expression

The desire for more public art in St. Albans isn’t new; it has been a topic of discussion among city officials and community members for several years. Notable projects have emerged recently, showcasing local talent and addressing social issues. In 2022, local artist Ron Snapp created a striking installation in Taylor Park that highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, featuring a chain link fence adorned with toys in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. While city officials approved the project, much of the funding and effort came from Snapp himself.

Moreover, city officials have been actively looking to enhance the downtown area, leading to a couple of funded public art projects. Marty Manahan, the public works director, spearheaded the transformation of an old tree in Taylor Park into a patriotic symbol. Artist Dee Christie contributed to this artistic renaissance with a mural in the alleyway adjacent to Red House Sweets, funded by approximately $11,000 in city redevelopment funds.

The mural, now a vibrant depiction of two thrushes—the state bird of Vermont—dressed as hipsters while perching on a croissant and coffee mug, exemplifies the city’s commitment to creative placemaking. City Manager Dominic Cloud noted, “Public art is an investment in place-making. It helps distinguish the community and makes people feel they are somewhere unique.”

Morrison echoes this sentiment, drawing from her extensive travels across Vermont. “The towns that have public art, they make you feel something. They make you want to stay. They make you want to come back,” she said, reflecting on her mission to inject more art into St. Albans, enhancing its vibrancy.

For the new mural on the Planet Fitness wall, Morrison has reached out to Vermont-based muralist Kathryn Wiegers and Brooklyn-based artist Abby Manock, along with local talent Jon Young. Wiegers is known for her bold lines and hyper-real subjects, having showcased her work at Burlington City Arts in 2021. Manock’s murals, characterized by bright colors and bold patterns, have captured attention, including a notable piece replicating Vermont’s iconic red-and-black flannel pattern for Cabot in 2012. Jon Young, recognized for his lively depictions of real-life scenes, is also a familiar name in St. Albans, particularly for his large Adirondack chair that graces Taylor Park each summer.

Morrison’s guidelines for the artists focus on creating a mural that is welcoming, playful, and slightly whimsical, aiming to energize the community and attract visitors. “It makes you feel like you want to come back and take a selfie in front of the mural. It makes you want to linger and go into stores,” she explained.

The St. Albans downtown board is eager to review the designs and will assess each artist's sketches alongside budget proposals. The target timeline is ambitious, with hopes to complete the mural by June, aligning with the Vermont Arts Council’s Creative Sector Convening event scheduled for June 5.

Looking ahead, Cloud encourages the community to keep the ideas flowing for future public art projects, suggesting potential funding avenues like the Vermont Arts Council’s Animating Infrastructure grant. “We’re open to proposals,” he said, inviting residents to contribute their vision and creativity to enrich the local landscape.

The vibrant push for public art in St. Albans speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to enhancing its unique character and inviting engagement, making it a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.