Artists announced that will participate in Mural Fest during Alternating Currents

Published in Business and Finance on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 20:37 GMT by KWQC
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Alternating Currents and QC Arts announce the artists selected for Mural Fest to transform huge walls at five locations in downtown Davenport, Bettendorf and Rock Island. Artists selected come from all over the world.

Artists Announced for Mural Fest at Alternating Currents Festival

In a vibrant celebration of public art and community creativity, organizers of the Alternating Currents festival have unveiled the lineup of talented artists set to participate in this year's Mural Fest. The event, which transforms urban spaces into open-air galleries, is slated to take place during the festival's run in the Quad Cities region, bringing together local and international muralists to paint large-scale works that will beautify walls across Davenport, Rock Island, and surrounding areas. This announcement highlights the festival's commitment to fostering artistic expression, cultural exchange, and community engagement through visual storytelling.

Alternating Currents, now in its eighth year, has grown into one of the Midwest's premier multi-venue festivals, blending music, comedy, film, and visual arts. Held annually in late summer, it draws thousands of attendees to over 100 events spread across more than 30 venues in the Iowa-Illinois border region. Mural Fest, a cornerstone of the festival since its inception, invites artists to create site-specific murals that reflect themes of local history, social issues, environmental concerns, and abstract creativity. This year's edition promises to be particularly dynamic, with a diverse roster of artists whose styles range from hyper-realistic portraits to bold, abstract geometrics and culturally infused narratives.

Leading the pack is Chicago-based artist Sentrock, known for his iconic bird-masked figures that symbolize freedom, identity, and resilience. Sentrock, whose real name is Joseph Perez, draws from his Mexican-American heritage and street art roots to create pieces that resonate with urban youth and marginalized communities. His participation in Mural Fest is expected to produce a mural that captures the spirit of migration and hope, potentially adorning a prominent wall in downtown Rock Island. Sentrock has previously contributed to major festivals like Chicago's Wabash Arts Corridor and has been featured in galleries across the U.S., making his involvement a major draw for art enthusiasts.

Joining him is Iowa native Molly McGrath, a muralist and illustrator whose work often incorporates elements of nature and whimsy. McGrath, hailing from Des Moines, has gained recognition for her colorful, intricate designs that blend flora, fauna, and human figures in harmonious compositions. Her murals can be seen in various Iowa cities, including a notable piece at the Des Moines Art Center. For Alternating Currents, McGrath plans to focus on themes of environmental stewardship, creating a piece that highlights the Mississippi River's ecological importance to the Quad Cities. Her approach emphasizes community involvement, often incorporating input from local residents during the painting process to make the artwork a collaborative effort.

From farther afield, international artist Fintan Magee from Australia brings a global perspective to the festival. Magee's large-scale murals frequently address social and political issues, such as climate change and urbanization, rendered in a realistic style with surreal twists. His works have graced walls in cities like Sydney, London, and New York, and he's known for his ability to transform mundane urban surfaces into thought-provoking statements. At Mural Fest, Magee is anticipated to tackle themes related to water rights and industrial heritage, tying into the Quad Cities' riverfront identity. His participation underscores the festival's aim to bridge local and global artistic dialogues.

Local talent is well-represented with Quad Cities' own Alex Bodensteiner, a rising star in the regional art scene. Bodensteiner's style fuses graffiti influences with fine art techniques, resulting in vibrant, energetic pieces that celebrate cultural diversity. Having grown up in Davenport, he draws inspiration from the area's immigrant history and industrial past. His mural for this event will likely feature motifs of community unity, painted on a wall in the East Village district. Bodensteiner has previously collaborated with local organizations like the Figge Art Museum, and his work encourages public interaction, often including interactive elements like augmented reality overlays.

Adding a touch of whimsy and color is Minneapolis artist Jordan Hamilton, whose abstract murals explode with geometric patterns and bold palettes. Hamilton's background in graphic design informs her work, which has been commissioned for festivals across the Midwest, including Twin Cities Pride and the Northern Spark festival. Her contribution to Mural Fest is expected to be a visually striking piece that invites viewers to interpret its layers of meaning, possibly exploring themes of connectivity in a digital age. Hamilton's inclusive process often involves workshops with youth, aligning with Alternating Currents' educational outreach goals.

The lineup also includes collaborative teams, such as the duo from St. Louis known as Pequeño and Grande, who specialize in culturally resonant murals drawing from Latin American traditions. Their joint works feature intricate patterns inspired by indigenous art, folklore, and modern social commentary. For the festival, they plan a mural that honors the Quad Cities' Hispanic community, potentially incorporating elements like Day of the Dead iconography blended with local landmarks. Their presence adds a layer of cultural depth, promoting cross-cultural understanding through art.

Other notable participants include Detroit's Ellen Rutt, whose textile-inspired murals blend digital and analog techniques for textured, layered effects; Kansas City's Jose Faus, a poet and visual artist whose narrative-driven pieces explore migration and memory; and California's Liz Lidgett, an advocate for public art whose realistic portraits celebrate everyday heroes. Each artist brings a unique voice, ensuring a rich tapestry of murals that will endure long after the festival concludes.

Organizers emphasize that Mural Fest is more than just painting—it's an immersive experience. Attendees can watch artists at work during live painting sessions, participate in guided tours, and attend artist talks that delve into the creative process. The festival integrates these visual arts elements with its broader programming, including live music performances, comedy shows, and film screenings, creating a holistic cultural event. Past Mural Fests have left a lasting legacy, with over 50 permanent murals now dotting the Quad Cities landscape, boosting tourism and local pride.

This year's event is supported by partnerships with local businesses, arts councils, and sponsors like the River Music Experience and the Quad City Arts. Festival director Tyson Danner noted that the selected artists were chosen for their ability to engage with the community and reflect the region's evolving identity. With free admission to most events, Alternating Currents aims to make art accessible to all, encouraging visitors to explore the murals on foot or via organized bike tours.

As the Quad Cities prepare for this artistic influx, the announcement has generated buzz among residents and visitors alike. Mural Fest not only beautifies the area but also sparks conversations about public space, creativity, and cultural representation. Whether you're an art aficionado or a casual observer, the event promises to inspire and captivate, leaving behind a colorful imprint on the community for years to come. For more details on schedules, locations, and artist bios, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Alternating Currents website. This fusion of talent and vision underscores why the festival continues to thrive as a beacon of creativity in the heartland.

Read the Full KWQC Article at:
[ https://www.kwqc.com/2025/08/11/artists-announced-that-will-participate-mural-fest-during-alternating-currents/ ]

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Artists announced that will participate in Mural Fest during Alternating Currents

Artists Announced for Mural Fest at Alternating Currents Festival