WHEN: Friday, May 19 at 4:00 PM
WHERE: Tully Park Skatepark (2500 N. Linder Rd., Meridian ID)
WHO: Meridian Mayor, Meridian Arts Commission, Meridian Parks and Recreation, and Artist Miguel Almeida and Youth Artist Macy Ratzesberger

The City of Meridian invites local media to a public art ribbon cutting ceremony at Tully Park skatepark, featuring two new murals by local artists. The murals were commissioned by the Meridian Arts Commission using funds from the Meridian Art in Public Spaces funds, which was increased by a City Council ordinance amendment last year to reflect Meridian’s growing population.
 
Miguel Almeida was commissioned for this project for his background as an up and coming local public artist, and his ties to skate culture. He has been skateboarding for 17 years, and skated at Tully skatepark often growing up. Macy Ratzesberger was selected through a Call for Youth Apprentice Mural Artists, and is a senior high school student at Idaho Fine Arts Academy with a distinguished portfolio. In bringing these murals to life, artist Miguel Almeida acted as a professional practices mentor for the youth artist, Macy Ratzesberger.
 
“These murals create a unique and contemporary sense of place in the Meridian community, and are the only public artworks found within the walls of a skatepark in the Treasure Valley,” said Cassandra Schiffler, Meridian’s Arts & Culture Coordinator. “Through projects like this, we hope to strengthen our community, bring vibrancy to our public spaces, and to support the emerging careers and creativity of our local artist like Miguel and Macy.”
 
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, Prestige Skateshop will be hosting a skate competition for the Treasure Valley area’s skaters.
 
To view a short video about the mural and to hear the artist talk about the project, click here. Media can contact Meridian Arts and Culture Coordinator Cassandra Schiffler at (208) 489-0399 or cschiffler@meridiancity.org with questions.