Posted by Virginia Sitzes, Sunny Dayz Mural Festival on 07/13/2022
Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is Coming to Downtown Edmond on August 6th!
Sunny Dayz Mural Festival was founded in March of 2021 by Oklahoma artist and educator, Virginia Sitzes, to empower, elevate and celebrate female and nonbinary artists! SDMF is committed to uplifting and supporting artists who have been subjected to inequity based on age, race, and gender with a commitment to equitable wages and opportunity. Originally a project of the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, a 501c3 non-profit that advocates for public art throughout the state, Sunny Dayz is taking the leap in 2022 and becoming its own independent non-profit entity this fall. It’s first festival in 2021 in the Oklahoma City Britton District was a smashing success, Sunny Dayz produced 32 new murals, employed over 39 local artists, mentored 9 high school students, and brought thousands of new visitors to our event. There are great things on the horizon for the 2nd year event in Edmond!
The need to support female artists is apparent considering they makeup 50% of working artists but only receive $0.74 compared to their male artist counterparts making $1.00. In Edmond, less than 30% of public murals were created by female artists… but on August 6th that is about to change!
Throughout the week of August 1st through 6th, 45+ artists will converge on the north part of Downtown Edmond to beautify the city with 40 murals. Several artists are internationally and nationally recognized, alongside veteran Oklahoma artists, and newbie artists who are getting the opportunity to create their first public mural. Because of Sunny Dayz founding principles of paying artists equitable wages, every artist participating is compensated.
That week, you will definitely want to be in DTE (Downtown Edmond)! Kicking off the festival on Thursday, August 4th, from 5pm to 9pm, in conjunction with VIBES Edmond’s First Thursdays, 18 Veteran 2021 Sunny Dayz Artists will participate in a Mural Paint Off. Artists will live-paint 4ft by 8ft murals! Then on August 6th, the all-day festival will take place from 12-8pm! This will include a full stage lineup, artists, performers, food trucks, vendors, and friends for an awesome day as the murals are completed. With a designated kids activity area led by local Edmond artist duo, Kyn & Chriff, as well as activities for adults, this event is filled with fun for the whole family!
Want to learn more or support this landmark event happening in our city?
Head over to www.sunnydayzmuralfest.com!
