Sunny Dayz Mural Festival

Kyndall Rainey, 2021 Artist Sunny Dayz 2021

Paseo Plant Ladies

By Amber Plaksin

After a successful first run in the Britton District of Oklahoma City in March 2021, The Sunny Dayz Mural Festival is returning for a second year, this time to be held in Downtown Edmond. Immersing visitors in a world of color and creativity, 42 artists from Oklahoma, other states, and Europe will create 31 new murals. Throughout the week and during the festival itself, the community is welcome to come and see the artists prepare and paint their walls, with most continuing to paint during the day of the festival, August 6th.

Art, Live Music & Shopping

Along with the vibrant art, visitors will enjoy live music, dancers, spoken word, and other creative performances. Plenty of food truck and beverage options will add to the fun. If you’re in a shopping mood, you’ll find more than 60 local artists and vendors selling their work. For a little family fun in the sun, “Kyn n Chriff” are returning to Sunny Dayz, running the kid’s activity area with a variety of exciting festival activities that inspire young artists allowing them to take part in the action. There will also be a community wall for anyone to try their hand at painting.

Although there is a lot of appreciation of public art in Oklahoma, the artists creating these pieces are often undercompensated, or not compensated at all. Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, however, is committed to paying artists equitably, with the overall goal to “uplift and support artists who have been subjected to inequity based on age, race, and gender.”

Edmond Supporting the Arts

When fundraising and promoting this event, Virginia Sitzes, creator of Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, and her team have emphasized engaging the community of Edmond. They have hosted events with local businesses such as the Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Blocworks Climbing Gym, and Commonplace Books of Edmond to gain support, grow community, and cultivate enthusiasm for the festival.

“We are so excited for the 2022 event, but are even more excited for the ripple effect that this event will have not only on the city of Edmond, but the experience, exposure, and community that this is going to create for every artist involved,” says Paige Powell, committee member, and vendor. Whether you are new to creating public art, just getting your foot in the door as an artist, or in high-school seeking mentorship, this festival was designed to give you that chance.

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival will be held from 12 - 8 PM on Saturday, August 6th. For more information, visit their website at sunnydayzmuralfest.com or follow them on Instagram at @sunnydayzmuralfest.