First Friday & NorthEast Art announce mural project

First Friday Scranton & NorthEast Art Project announce new long term downtown mural project

A brand-new mural on the side of the Leonard Theater at 335 Adams Avenue will be unveiled this weekend in Downtown Scranton.

This new mural, created by artist Monica Noelle Simon, is the first in a series of murals being sponsored by First Friday Scranton and produced by NorthEast Art Project (NEAP).

Commencing this month and continuing monthly(weather permitting) artists will be selected by NEAP to create and paint murals throughout downtown Scranton for each First Friday

NEAP, created by artist and business owner (Electric City Escape), Ryan Hnat, aims to pair local artists with businesses to create public works of art in Northeast PA. NEAP’s mission is build a sense of community through art. Currently, there are several artists working on NEAP murals throughout the area and they are always accepting information on new artists.

The First Friday venues will be selected by a committee and from suggestions and recommendations of residents and business owners. Businesses and community groups that would like to join in the sponsoring of these murals are encouraged.

NEAP and First Friday Scranton made clear that so long as there is still a space that can be improved in Downtown Scranton, this project will continue.

At this week’s First Friday in Scranton, on Aug. 2, there will be a meet and greet with artist, Monica Noelle Simon next to the Leonard Theater. Simultaneously, there will be an art show held at the nearby Bog, where more of Monica’s work will be exhibited. Monica is a local artist who creates whimsical worlds, landscapes, portraits, and more, depicted in a vibrant and curious manner.

First Friday Scranton continues to be a foundational event fostering growth and supporting local business and the arts in Downtown Scranton. They hope to grow this mission by supporting NEAP’s in bringing more public art to downtown Scranton, and encouraging other businesses, Foundations and supporters to join in the sponsorship of these murals.First Friday Scranton is currently eager to hear from property owners who would like to support having a mural on their building.

To checkout Northeast Art Project, go to their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.