SUMMER MURALS: Arts Council of Princeton artists are shown at work on a recent mural. The ACP will partner with Princeton Shopping Center to bring a series of new murals to its outdoor courtyard this summer.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) and Princeton Shopping Center have announced a new series of murals as part of a new public art initiative for the outdoor courtyard located at 301 North Harrison Street.

The first in the series of three murals designed by a team of ACP artists will come to life at the end of June on the interior courtyard wall between Princeton Mattress and Smith’s ACE Hardware. The mural theme will reflect Princeton Shopping Center’s resolution to “bring on the joy” at a time when communities are craving reconnection and opportunities to interact. This artwork will be on display through this fall, when a new design inspired by the changing seasons will be installed.

The mural series is scheduled to run through spring 2022, with each delivering a burst of renewed energy and opportunity to reflect on significant messages.

“The Arts Council of Princeton has long served as a catalyst for Princeton’s creative community,” said ACP Executive Director Adam Welch. “We believe that public art is an asset in expanding our worldview and provides an opportunity to build community around creative expression. The Arts Council is so pleased to continue a 35-plus year partnership with Princeton Shopping Center and set in motion an expanded arts and cultural presence in this city.”

“Cohesive communities are more relevant now than ever and public art activates landscapes in unique ways that spark dialogue and encourage people to authentically connect,” said Brad Dumont, managing director at EDENS, which owns and operates the Princeton Shopping Center. “An important part of our mission is to collaborate with embedded organizations like the Arts Council on neighborhood enrichment projects. We’re very excited to watch these walls come to life in ways that only artists can imagine.”

The Princeton Shopping Center and Arts Council of Princeton invite the public to a gathering in celebration of this new public art presence on Friday, July 9 from 6 to 8 p.m., where the artwork will be signed, signaling its completion. The mural celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with We May Be Right, a Billy Joel tribute band, along with family-friendly activities.

For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org and princetonshoppingcenter.com.