Well over 100 men, women, and children showed up for the 4th annual Paint the Port street paint party. The street painting stretched all the way up and down Chicago Street from Douglas to East Jackson Street with another whole section of Exchange Street from Chicago to Van Buren.
The annual gathering of artists was delayed from Friday night until Saturday afternoon to make sure it wasn’t interrupted by weather. The severe weather threat for Friday night never happened but precaution was taken as severe thunderstorms were brewing to the west and the south making it a no brainer to reschedule.
Saturday turned out to be a wonderful day for painting and socializing while physically distant. There was a pretty consistent stiff breeze that occasionally sent a paint cup lid or paper bag blowing down the street. One of the young folks on hand usually seemed to catch up to them before they got too far.
The proceeds from Paint the Port, which was created by the Freeport Art Museum, go towards facade renovations in downtown Freeport. Since the program started in 2017 Paint the Port has contributed over $16,000 in grants to 7 downtown businesses. The City of Freeport matches these awards which currently stands at an additional $32,000 over the first 4 years. The Voice of Freeport will bring you an update on this years grant amounts and matching city funds as soon as we receive the information.
Myself and Nick Welch toured one of the downtown buildings that received grant a few weeks ago. Chloe and Zach are renovating the Building on Main and we plan to bring you a story on that 5 year plan in the near future.
The artwork on the street ranged from animals, LOT”S of rainbows, hearts, messages about voting, and flowers. The clear message sent on the day though was #BlackLivesMatter. With at least 7 squares being dedicated to the movement it was clearly in the hearts and on the minds of many participants of the event.
Local organizations such as HOPE in the Midwest, Health Over Profit for Everyone, Indivisible Freeport, Stephenson County Democrats, Save the Tabernacle, The Feminist Freedom Coalition, The League of Women Voters, and St John’s United Church of Christ all had squares. New startup media endeavors such as United We Stand and of course The Voice of Freeport also had squares. There was even a shout out to Freeport icon of the music business Earwax Records. Local families and kids certainly ruled the day!
The folks here at The Voice of Freeport certainly had a fun day covering the event as well as broadcasting live a few times. We look forward to next year! If you’d like more information you can find Paint the Port on Facebook, visit their website at painttheport.com, call 815-235-9755, or stop at the Freeport Art Museum during normal business hours at 121 N Harlem.
Carl Utt is a newly minted citizen journalist who doesn’t have an artistic bone in his body. #BlackLivesMatter
