2023 Archive

Jun 19

***Together. Forward. Bold.***, by Selena Bender, Jazz Benitez & Dacia Parker
Located in the parking lot behind Little Forks Outfitters. Closest address is 123 McDonald St, Midland, MI 48640.

***Songbirds***, by Kevin Burdick
Located at UbBeat Music Academy, 109 E Ashman St, Midland, MI 48642

Year three is in the books!

The 2023 festival included a beautiful large-scale community mural being painted by local artists, Selena Bender (selenaashley.com), Jazzmyn Benitez (enjoylifejazzmynbenitez.com), Dacia Parker (parkerlaneart.com), and their fantastic team! Community members were invited to paint the mural alongside the artist team and we were excited to once again witness so many people experiencing the power of public art in Midland! Together. Forward. Bold. can be seen in the parking lot behind Little Forks Outfitters. The closest address is 123 McDonald St, Midland, MI 48640.

We were absolutely thrilled to meet and work with Michigan artist Kevin Burdick for our 2023 commissioned mural. Kevin was selected from over 300 applicants to create our first mural in Center City, at UpBeat Music Academy, 109 E Ashman St, Midland, MI 48642. He knocked Songbirds out of the park with his kind personality, great work ethic, and incredible skills that created this beautiful finished product!

We also had two nights of amazing live music presented by The Blue Light. Meet the musicians here.

Art Seen Festival seeks to strengthen our Midland County, Michigan, community through vibrant mural making and live performances. Accessible public art is a meaningful way to connect people to feel seen, heard, and included. Art inspires us and propels us forward while bringing voice to diverse experiences, and people. Art is a catalyst for belonging, and supports a community where all people have the opportunity to thrive.

See a full list of our sponsors and partners in 2023 here.

Become a volunteer or sponsor for 2024 here.

See the map of all of our murals here.

We hope you enjoy the photos below. If you have any photos you would like to submit to the archive please email us at artseenfestival@gmail.com!