ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Paint the Grove, the City of Elk Grove’s inaugural mural festival presented in partnership with nationally acclaimed mural curators Talking Walls, is designed to celebrate public art as a driver of placemaking, economic development and cultural vitality.

From June 1 to 6, talented artists will transform Historic Main Street (Elk Grove Florin Road to Waterman Road) into an open-air gallery and a catalyst for renewed energy in the heart of the city.

In addition to the mural installations, a series of events being held on June 6 at Old Town Plaza, 9615 Railroad St., will activate the space and invite the community to engage more deeply with the artwork:

The Walking Mural Tour will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and offer a guided walking tour offers an up-close look at the festival’s murals, along with insight into the artists’ processes, techniques and inspiration. It is an opportunity to experience the collection as a cohesive body of work while learning more about the stories behind each piece.

From 4 to 8 p.m., the Local Artist Battle will take place, where the festival will culminate in a live art competition featuring local artists creating original works in real time. Attendees can enjoy music from a live DJ, food trucks and booths hosted by local artists and arts organizations. A panel of judges will select a winner, and attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for a People’s Choice award.

The residents of Elk Grove spoke, and we listened. Paint the Grove is a bold step toward the vibrant arts and creative economy the community has been asking for, bringing investment and energy to the streets, supporting artists, attracting visitors and moving Elk Grove one step closer to becoming an arts destination.

Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 182,842 people located in the dynamic and affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 4th largest economy in the world. Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime, excellent schools, more than 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events and festivals and over 270 sunny days per year.