MANSFIELD — A unique art event is coming to Mansfield on Sept. 19.
Mankind Murals Inc. will present Luminous Art, a first-of-its-kind art display in Mansfield, created in partnership with New Creations Gallery and the Mansfield Richland County Public Library.
Taking place at the three Library Murals, titled “Books Move Your Imagination” located across from the Mansfield Library and across from the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 19.
Luminous ART will feature live projection-mapping and video effects that will transform murals into dynamic stories — bringing art, imagination, and community together in an evening celebration of public art.
Projection-mapping is a kind of creative technology using projectors to lay light into murals, set designs, architecture, sculpture, wedding cakes, and more. Artists in projection-mapping use video, images, and animation to layer light in sequences onto the illuminated canvas or object.
It’s a creative process that has advanced over the last decade, adding dimension and animation for years at theme parks like Disney, Broadway stage productions, and across the murals of Cincinnati for the last nine years at the BLINK Festival of Light & Art which is happening again this October.
This will be a first-of-its-kind event in Mansfield, using projection-mapping to illuminate the three Library Murals, highlighting and accentuating the themes and concepts in each artwork. Mural artists Allison Pence, Demetrius Howell, and Robin Wilson-Shoup completed their works on the Library Bookmobile Garage in 2023.
The project was part of the Mansfield Rising Plan: Public Art Initiative through the Mansfield Arts & Culture Sector and matching funds from the Richland County Foundation.
Mankind Murals Inc helped to direct the project, and in 2024 created a program with the Library called “Mural Stories” self-publishing a book of local youth, teen and adult authors who submitted creative writing based on the Library Murals, and any murals of Mansfield.
Nonprofit Director, Luke Beekman, is the designer of the upcoming light show on September 19th. While this kind of creative tech can illuminate almost any canvas, it especially impacts placemaking sites like murals and sculptural public art.
The public is invited to this free family-friendly event in the evening following the Fab Four & More: Secret City Tour, Touch-a-Truck, The Mansfield Arts Festival and Oktoberfest in downtown Mansfield. Once the sun sets, and the twilight has passed around 8pm, Murals Come Alive at the Library.
Luminous ART brings an idea of what is possible on the horizon. As public art, sculpture, and beautification come into greater focus in Downtown Mansfield, we invite the public to the Imagination District to see the creative potential.
Murals and public art are being illuminated as place for gathering, celebrating, and animating.
Event Details:
Luminous ART
Saturday, Sept. 19
6 to 10:30 p.m.
Library Murals
Streetside parking is available, along with surrounding public lots including the Library Parking Garage. The event is free and open to the public.
What to Expect
- “Celtic Sisters” performing at 6:30 p.m.
- “Mural Stories” Selected Readings at 7:15 p.m.
- Mural Light Show with live projection-mapping and video effects at around 8 p.m.
- Alice in Wonderland Pop-up Mural Display by Rachel Justice.
- Live DJ – “DJ Thrash.”
- Artist & Farmer’s Market.
- Interactive Art and Displays.
- Photo booth by Beam DJ Service.
- Food trucks and Smoothie Stand.
- Glow Sticks Available While Supplies Last.
Spotlighting Public Artworks
- “Once Upon a Library” — Mural artwork by Allison Pence.
- “Right at the Tip of the Mind” — Mural artwork by Demetrius Howell.
- “Wild About Books” — Mural artwork by Robin Wilson-Shoup.
- “Alice in Wonderland” — Pop-up Mural display by Rachel Justice.
- Mural Animation & Video — Created by Luke Beekman.
A Community-Led Nonprofit Collaboration
Mankind Murals Inc and New Creations Gallery are both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, dedicated to enriching communities through public art, education, and creating a platform for public art to thrive.
Community members, families, and media are encouraged to attend and experience how public art can become even more immersive through light, motion, music, and the magic of storytelling.
Register in advance for this free event, or pay what you can to support public art events like this in the future. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
Watch the Luminous ART – Wild About Books – Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/reel/
Luminous ART – Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1J8qeKbjF3/.
