If you’ve been near Monore Center, you’ve definitely seen “Seeking a Pleasant Peninsula.” And it’s part of the history behind a new art festival in Grand Rapids.

All of the 21 NEW murals at The Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival will feature a different endangered species native to Michigan. According to their mission statement, “We create opportunities for city-dwelling Michiganders to build personal relationships with the diverse species that share our Great Lakes State.

Once a species is recognizable, it becomes special. Once a species can be named, it becomes a friend.”

Here’s a sneak peak of some of the special species being featured in these murals!

We’ve already gotten a small taste of this theme throughout the years — and might not have even known it.

In 2024, they paired local artists with local educators to create five new murals informed by ecological research. These included Land Conservancy of West Michigan and Blandford Nature Center.

These new murals sought to inform the public about ecological dangers our state is facing – or just the amazing things in nature you may not have noticed.

Mark your calendar and start planning your trip downtown. Stop by before the festival officially kicks-off to watch the works-in-progress!

Date and Time

July 26, 2025: 10 AM – 9 PM

Local and national artists will begin mural paining the week of July 21.

Location

52 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The new murals will be painted along the Front Ave bridge underpass. Events will be at The Blue Bridge and surrounding riverside.

Details

• 21 new murals from artists across the country, each featuring a different endangered species native to Michigan
• An artist market with 40+ vendors
• An ecologically educational speaker series 
• Activities like a kids’ mural tent, animal meet & greets, tree ID walks, and fishing demos
• Food trucks, live music, and more!
• FREE to attend

Visit their website for updates or to contribute.