As part of the first Roanoke Arts Festival, the Roanoke Arts Commission is sponsoring a unique public art event in downtown Roanoke this week.

Michael William Kirby, international muralist and "ephemeral artist" (as seen recently on the "Late Show with David Letterman") will create a major three-dimensional street drawing in chalk at SunTrust Plaza on Oct. 5, 6, and 7, and offer a workshop for artists on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This event is part of the city's expanding Public Art Program.

Kirby has over 20 years experience creating public and private work and has studied mural painting in Italy and Mexico.  He founded Murals of Baltimore, a world-renowned studio based in Baltimore, Md. Murals of Baltimore has won various competitions and has been featured in numerous festivals and galleries across the world. The studio has worked in over 200 cities including Rome, Paris, London, Berlin, New York, Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Francisco, Caracas, Cartagena, and many more. In addition to ephemeral art (streetdrawing) Murals of Baltimore specializes in all forms of mural painting and public art such as fresco, marouflage, keim, plastering, decorative, faux, mosaics, and others.

"Murals of Baltimore" has been subcontracted nationally and internationally by major cities, governments, contractors, and companies for restoration, murals, and other decorative works. Clients include McDonald's Restaurant Corp.; City of Guadalajara, Mexico; City of Guanajuato, Mexico; Chiesa San Paolo, Naples, Italy;
City of Venice, Italy; City of Koblenz, Germany; and the Red Cross. Many of these works can be viewed online at www.MuralsofBaltimore.com.

The workshop is free but space is limited to 25 participants. To register, contact Susan Jennings, Public Art Coordinator at 540-853-5652 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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