Work progresses on the mural project on the wall of Cutrazzola Winery and Once Upon a Tyme’s shop.
Things are becoming a lot more colorful in the West Village of Cambria. Cambria Center for the Arts (CCA), has spent the last few weeks completing the mural project on the wall of Cutrazzola Winery and Once Upon a Tyme’s shop on the north end of Main St.
Part of the Art Center’s goals for 2020 was to engage the community and reach outside of the gallery. During the time of the shutdown seemed like a good time to do that. Mary Fedrow, CCA’s president, says “Our mission is to bring art and people together and since our doors have to be closed right now, we decided to bring the art out to our community.”
Cutrazzola Winery was enthusiastic about giving the organization permission to paint the mural on the south side of their building. Other locations are being considered for future murals as well.
project in Cambria.
Earlier in the summer, artists were invited to submit ideas and a committee was formed to select the winning mural. Tigg Morales, a long-time Cambria resident, realtor, and artist, was chosen.
“Watching the project come to life is truly a magical experience,” said Tigg. “The original piece was small, so projecting the line drawing at night under the stars felt like the painting took on a new life of its own, almost a cinematic experience.”
CCA rented an electric lift, borrowed equipment, and projected the image onto the wall at night so that the image could be traced. Roughly 25 volunteers have helped bring it to life. Artists have taken shifts to put up the stencil and then paint the image.
“Going from a small piece of paper to a large stucco wall, I hope the piece holds together and keeps its charm,” Tigg said. “I think it will!”
Tigg is no stranger to the Cambria art scene. She has been designing sets for the high school musicals for about 12 years and has also worked on several productions at Cambria Center for the Arts Theater. She was working on both the high school production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and the CCAT production of “Cambria The Musical” when Covid shut down both shows. “So it’s very exciting for me to have a permanent piece go up,” says Tigg.
The project has been bringing the community together across generations.
“The mural has brought out a lot of younger people interested in what we are doing,” Mari Fedrow said. “Many weren’t even aware of CCA. I think it’s great that more people are learning about us and can see what we are doing for Cambria.”
Cambria Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and engaging people through art, film and theatre. Due to the coronovirus, their income sources have been minimal and are seeking donations to assist with the project and other projects they are planning. They are hoping to develop a sculpture garden as well as other murals. Donations are being accepted on the website to help with the crane rental and paint supplies. Readers can find more information or make a donation at Cambriacenterforthearts.org.
