Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matt Letrs . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Matt thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Building Art Parks

Matt , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a full time fine artist who specializes in murals. I got my start in the art world in the mid 90’s when I got in to graffiti.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Currently the project that’s really driving me Is my “art parks” project. Basically this is an outdoor space or spaces dedicated to public art and the people who do it. It’s a space where artists and the community can interact, where new artists can learn and established artists can find opportunities.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve been working on this project for a few years now and one thing I’ve learned is that change is a scary thing to people – even if it’s a positive change. For all the love and support I’ve received from residents regarding this project; the people in charge of the community spaces and planning committees have been less eager to help, to say the least. In some cases I’ve been viewed as a nuisance or someone with a hidden agenda. The responses and general treatment I’ve received from some community leaders and “community” groups at times have been pretty discouraging and I think that’s by design. It’s definitely been interesting dealing all the different personalities and egos – the loudest voices claiming they’re “for the community” are often the ones least interested sharing in their vision of it. Never the less this is a project I believe in and I know it will have a really positive effect on my city and beloved art community. I have put in a lot of planing and effort toward this and know the community as a whole really wants this to happen so: I’m going to keep working for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.letsgopaint.co
• Instagram: Instagram.com/letsgopaint

Image Credits
Cover image by Sly Espinosa Other images: Matt Letrs