Art alley to add vibrancy to downtown Mitchell

MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) — There's a new way to express your creativity in Mitchell. The Mitchell Area Council of the Arts recently launched a new art alley, where artists of all ages can display their talents.

Now open for business is Creative Way, just west of the Wells Fargo building in Mitchell. Stan Sherwood of the Mitchell Area Council of the Arts wanted to bring an art alley to Mitchell after being impressed by the one in Rapid City.

"I've been there a few times and painted a few times, me and my son. I just love the whole vibe and just unique pieces of art all around you," Sherwood said.

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The Mitchell Arts Council is inviting professional artists and even amateur artists to take their regular paint or their spray paint to come beautify the space.

"We want people to come out that are young and old and any skill level to come out and give it a try," Mitchell Arts Council secretary Melissa Schwalm said.

Right now, the walls are mostly bare, but they may not be that way for long.

"We've had about ten people reach out to us. I know we've had some people with like a family project or an art project or just some people wanting to come and try it out for the first time," Sherwood said.

If the walls run out of space, the Arts Council has a plan to keep things fresh.

"Eventually, things will get painted over so that it's more of a living art piece that won't get stagnant and can change throughout the years, so people can keep coming back," Schwalm said.

Which makes it a welcome addition to Mitchell's historic downtown.

"I think it's definitely going to bring some vibrancy, especially to our downtown. We've got some great murals happening, but this is just one more element to help bring people in and engage them," Mitchell resident Molly Sutton said.

"Our goal is to get as much up and creativity on the walls out in public view as possible," Schwalm said.

Before you start painting, you need to fill out a permit. You can apply free of charge here.