Downtown New Baltimore will soon be transformed with a new mural.

The city’s Arts & Culture Commission is planning to unveil its latest project — artwork stretching 32 feet long and 12 feet high — ahead of the Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival in June. The painting takes on the look of a retro, classic postcard, which is also a nod to the city’s historic downtown.

“The mural is meant to welcome guests and inspire residents,” artist Justin Rose said, in a description of the concept. “It celebrates everything that makes this town special: Anchor Bay, our wildlife, our town festivals, our fag, our beach and most importantly our people.”

Colorful dahlias — the city flower — decorate the foreground, giving the space depth and life. It is bold, friendly and colorful, and it rests on the bay, reflecting the personality of the city and its residents.

“This is a year in our town,” Rose said. “From the spring sun rising, through the Fourth of July fireworks, all the way to our Christmas tree lighting night.”

The mural, titled “Welcome to New Baltimore,” will be installed at Alfred and Washington streets on the building that houses The Local Goat and Creative Images Salon.

(Giuseppe and Angela Riera) have owned the building since the 1980s,” said Marybeth Jamieson, secretary of the Arts & Culture Commission. “Giuseppe was part of the downtown development efforts in the early ‘90s and rallied for development of New Baltimore’s full potential as a lake front community. Both are very excited for the direction the city is taking.”

Rose, the mural’s creator, is a city resident and the vice chair of the commission. He requested the concept image not be revealed prior to the unveiling.

The idea of a mural was first considered in 2021 with inspiration taken from vintage postcards of the “Greetings from” variety, commission Secretary Marybeth Jamieson said. Site selection, legal consideration, artist selection, funding, city council approval, historic approval, all added to the timeline for completion.

The commission put out a call for artists in March and ultimately awarded the project to Rose, who abstained from the vote.

“We aspire for this first of hopefully many New Baltimore murals to become a notable part of our identity and culture,” Jamieson said.

The mural is targeted for completion in time to usher in the 59th annual Bay-Rama Fish Fly Festival, scheduled for June 19 to 23.

The total project cost is estimated at about $30,000.

“It will be an incredible addition downtown,” New Baltimore Mayor Tom Semaan said, at an April 22 city council meeting, where additional funding for the project was approved.

Additionally, the Arts & Culture Commission has several other projects and events in the works, including:

• Jazz at the Market began its second year on May 5 and will continue on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October in partnership with the New Baltimore Farmers Market.

• The third annual Chalk-It-Up juried community chalk art event will take place June 16.

• Christmas in July will feature a showing of “Frozen,” snacks, crafts and activities. The July 25 event is being hosted in cooperation with New Baltimore Parks and Recreation Department, Bay-Rama, Park It Family Fun Nights and North Shore Church.

• A chess board is set to be installed in Walter and Mary Burke Park this summer in partnership with the New Baltimore Parks and Recreation Department.

• An art installation is planned for the skate park at Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park this summer.

• Paint the Tables Part II is planned for this fall at Maynard “Red” Aurand Memorial Park.

• This fall, the commission will take on a Crosswalk Project /Safe Paths to School in cooperation with Anchor Bay School District, as well as a grant from Art on the Bay.

The New Baltimore Arts and Culture Commission was established in late 2019 and first convened in the fall of 2020. Its purpose is to help enrich the city by making visual, literary, musical, culinary and performing arts vital elements in the life of the community. The commission works to support economic development and tourism, and to expand the experience and participation of citizens with the arts.

The commission is comprised of up to nine New Baltimore resident members from all walks of life who are selected by the mayor and approved by city council. Current members are: Ben Stone, chair; Rose, vice chair; Jamieson, secretary; James Hodson, treasurer; Vince Nestico; Suzanne Vitale; Sheryl Stankus, and Jonathan Petrous. Ryan Covert and Jacob Dittrich are council liaisons.

There is currently an open seat on the commission. Those interested in applying can do so through city hall.

Commission projects are funded by a mix of grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding and general fund monies. Patrons of the arts who wish to support future projects may do so by contacting a commission member. For more information, email ncacc@cityofnewbaltimore.org or visit facebook.com/NBArtsCultureCommission.