“Art, in its most profound sense, has always been a powerful tool for social change.” With that as her backdrop, and lots of blank canvas space on building walls throughout the community, Anna Russo Sieber has become the catalyst for a dynamic new initiative called the Benton Harbor Walls Project.
As one of the early pioneers of the Benton Harbor Arts District, Anna continues to strive for the community-wide transformation that was envisioned at the dawn of the Arts District, and is jockeying for a colorful — and meaningful — new vision through the new 3-year project now underway.
Russo Sieber’s ARS Arts and Culture Center in the heart of the Arts District is thrilled to announce the commission and installation of a new mural on her ARS Gallery Arts and Culture building at 147 Fifth Street, on the wall facing Fifth Street. The bright, captivating, and colorful work of art is painted by experienced muralist, Alex Ann Allen. As the inaugural mural brings new life to the area, it is the first of twenty murals planned as part of the new Benton Harbor Walls Project.
Anna has traveled extensively on cultural missions across the globe in her never-ending search for ways to spark new concepts for the Arts District. From Italy to Ireland and lots of ground in between, she has embarked on a relentless drive for the next great thing for Benton Harbor and has spent a tremendous amount of her time, talent and personal treasure in recent months setting the stage for Benton Harbor Walls. Inspired by the art of places like Ireland’s Waterford Walls, and Miami’s Westwood Walls, Anna was absolutely pumped in describing her vision for Benton Harbor Walls.
A mural dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at ARS on Saturday, November 16th at 6:00pm in conjunction with the Opening Reception for DETROIT SCULPTORS, happening from 4:30-7pm.
Alex Ann Allen’s mural design, entitled Ja’Kobi’s Wings, is a transformation through vibrant color and movement, flowing across the wall of the ARS building. The mural reflects the enduring dynamics of ARS Arts and Culture’s underserved youth programming, ongoing since 2010. At its heart, the mural depicts the community coming together, encapsulating the power of unity through the arts.
Alex is a traveling multi-disciplinary artist based in South Bend, Indiana. The primary focus of her work is portraiture and large-scale murals. Alex is also the founder of Mural Mania, an annual mural festival drawing artists from all over the country to South Bend. Alex’s passion and dedication lies in creating public art that brings communities together across America and celebrating neighborhood pride and empowerment. When asked about this particular mural, Alex says, “I am honored to have been selected for the inaugural mural by ARS for the Benton Harbor Walls Project. I think the most important part of this piece is the portrait I’ll be painting of 10-year-old Ja’Kobi, who has been a student of ARS programs for the last couple of years. Capturing his spirit and zest for life is my biggest goal. I am happy with all the positive responses I’ve gotten from people as they pass, both on foot and as they drive by, shouting ‘We love it!’ from their car windows.”
Anna says that Alex was selected through a rigorous process involving RFO request for qualification and an immersive rendering for finalists. The winner was chosen through popular vote by Benton Harbor Walls and the projects community partners.
Anna, in her role as director of ARS through Benton Harbor Walls reiterates, “Art in its most profound sense has always been a powerful tool for social change. It bridges gaps, fosters understanding, and stimulates conversation. Murals like this one are designed as a visual narrative that can eliminate pressing issues, offering hope for emergence from any kind of personal or group adversity. These murals are an experience for the entire community, adding beauty to the neighborhood and drawing in new visitors.”
Russo Sieber also notes, “Our community-at-large has been so helpful, offering great support throughout this process. If we needed a scissor lift, we had one. Benton Harbor Walls would like to thank our sponsors, Southwest Michigan Tourist Council, our talented and dedicated artist, Alex, our community, and all who have helped along the way. Look for more murals coming in the Spring of 2025. You can say more through art than through words alone.”
