VIRGINIA BEACH — 10 murals in 10 days! The 7th Annual ViBe Mural Festival just wrapped up. I spoke with some of the artists while they painted their masterpieces and took a little walking tour myself to check out their finished artwork.
Kate Pittman, Executive Director of the ViBe Creative District, highlighted a significant milestone for the festival: "For the first time, we have more female artists than men, and we currently have two international artists who are calling Virginia Beach home."
From flowers to inspirational quotes to sea creatures—every mural is unique.
Watch: ViBe Creative District, Bryant & Stratton College offer mural opportunity with big rewards
This year's featured teen muralist is Elora May, who shared her excitement about painting her first large piece. "There was a time where I was going through a rough spot, and I kept seeing all these day lilies popping up, and they would make me smile. I want these to be that for someone else as well," she said, reflecting on the personal inspiration behind her mural.
I also spoke with Jake Wareing, Manager of Wareings Gym, who selected artist Seth Lubaton to bring some inspiration to their building's exterior. "The quote is 'Today is the Day.' It's a reminder that every moment, every action, every morning is really a blessing and just a reminder to ourselves and our community to make each day the best it can possibly be," Wareing explained.
Lubaton's work can be found all around Virginia Beach. This is his third mural festival. "It's amazing. To be a kid that grew up here and to come and make this town more beautiful, it's I hate the word, but it's a blessing, it's awesome." he said.
Watch: Virginia Beach artist uses beach trip with kids as inspiration for first mural
Another Virginia Beach native, muralist Devon Miller, expressed her excitement about painting her first mural for the festival. "It's awesome. A lot of people are coming by, asking about the work, expressing a lot of gratitude and appreciation for what we're doing in the community," she shared.
This is Tessa Hall Duquette's second mural festival, and she is bringing the color and fun vibes. "I'm really excited! I'm loving my color palette, the design is very whimsical and cheerful, and it's going to bring a pop of color to this side of the street. I'm painting King Neptune as a judge, with lawyer fish and seaweed," she described.
Watch: Artwork around every corner of Norfolk's NEON District
Among the international artists was Tamara Vogrin Tara, who has painted numerous murals in her home country of Slovenia. "I am making a flower mural inspired by my grandmother's garden in Slovenia. I hope this mural brings much positivity to this city of Virginia Beach and that when people see it, they feel very good," she said.
I also caught up with muralist Daniel Goodman, who was in the process of painting a mural that spans the back of Organic Beginnings School.
After ten days and gallons of paint, the ViBe Creative District now boasts ten new murals, each with its own story and message. Whether you're a local or a visitor, taking a walking tour of these new additions is a must.
