Central Arkansas artist, Jessica Jones, began work last week on a new mural in Downtown Conway. The mural project was commissioned by the Creative Institute, thanks to a sponsorship from Conway Corp, which is the utility division of the City of Conway. The image will appear on Oak Street downtown and feature data and electricity traveling across a motherboard in a retro style, symbolizing the need for creativity and art as essential community infrastructure alongside digital communications.
Jones’ work is featured throughout Central Arkansas. This is her latest contribution to the interior of the EM building, home to the Studio Downtown and the Creative Institute. After the Conway Corp mural is complete, Jessica will begin work on the next stretch of wall which is sponsored by the Conway Chamber of Commerce. The building will host three street-facing murals and six more interior murals by the end of the year.
Conway Corp has operated the city-owned utility system for nearly a century, and now provides electric, water, video, internet, and security services for the Conway community. Since its foundation in 1929, the organization has been a strong advocate and sponsor of Conway’s vibrant educational institutions and the city’s economic development.
“The arts play an important role in the quality of life in Conway. We were excited to see the work the Creative Institute is doing and are happy to be included with one of [its] featured murals,” Chief Marketing Officer Crystal Kemp said.
Other students at the Creative Institute are also picking up paint brushes and contributing alongside Jones. The students are enrolled in the Institute’s gap year program that guides students from hands-on experience and training toward internships and valuable career connections. Painting alongside a local mural artist is just one of the many opportunities that students at the Institute are afforded throughout the year.
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