A Touch of Color Coming to the Historic District of Chaffee Crossing
University of 㽶ƵAPP – Fort Smith professor of graphic design Bryan Alexis has been
commissioned to install a mural, bringing a “great splash of color” to the recently
renovated Barracks area in the Historic District of Chaffee Crossing.
Alexis is working with Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA) executive director
and CEO Daniel Mann and FCRA director of marketing Lorie Robertson on the project.
Before the end of May, visitors to the Barracks will be able to not only view the
mural on the back of the small guard shack at the entrance to the area but also “experience”
it.
The project is named “Impact Area,” Alexis says it’s “an homage to the many, many
people who have come through Fort Chaffee and have made an impact on this region.”
The mural will highlight the soldiers, refugees, and civilians who once called Fort
Chaffee home.
“It is especially rewarding to have it created by a local artist,” said Mann. “We
are very proud to bring an art installation of this caliber to western 㽶ƵAPP in
honor of the thousands of men and women from all over the world who passed through
Camp Chaffee and Fort Chaffee.”
With a background in graphic design, Alexis is bringing a modern touch to the traditional
display of art. He said the mural would also have an augmented reality animation feature,
allowing visitors, historians, and every passerby to experience a deeper story of
Fort Chaffee. Mann believes the mural will provide “an artistic welcoming message”
to the area like Chaffee has done for the last 82 years.
“I hope the community will see themselves in the work and continue to realize the
wonderful and diverse tapestry of humans that make up the River Valley and the contribution
that Fort Chaffee has made to add to and enrich our culture,” said Alexis.
Alexis has completed more than thirty murals across 㽶ƵAPP and Oklahoma. “Impact
Area” is set to be completed before the opening of the Chaffee Crossing Farmers and
Artesian Market. The mural and attached augmented reality feature will be located
at 7301 Fort Chafee Blvd., Fort Smith, 㽶ƵAPP.
- Tags:
- Art
- Graphic Design
- Community
- Faculty
- College of Arts and Sciences