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East of Cuba's street art mural unveiling - positively combatting Wellington's grafitti

Saturday 18 June 2011, 9:41AM

By East of Cuba

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The Elements mural panel - Dhyana Beaumont
The Elements mural panel - Dhyana Beaumont Credit: East of Cuba

WELLINGTON CITY

East of Cuba, Welington's new fashion art and retail gallery, is to unveil an extrior art mural on Sunday 19 June as part of the Winter Solstice celebrations.

Located the heart of Vivian St’s red light block, EoC is opposite the Wellington School of Architecture and Design.

“The Elements” – a three-wall exterior street art mural in East of Cuba’s (EoC's) rear car park/courtyard, was born from the combined desire to rid the area of its disharmonic dark-themed graffiti and spray-can vandalism.

This project has been a community support-based collaboration between East of Cuba owner Sara Byrne and Wellington Artist and Professional Street Muralist Dhyana Beaumont.

“Life is Art, and as Lovers and Sellers of fine things that WE like, this is the mantra of East of Cuba,” Sara Byrne says. “We’re pleased to be able to help sponsor the creation of this creative mural to lift the vibe and enhance the area.”

East of Cuba (EoC) fully supports WCC’s drive to increase Wellington Street Art in and around the city as a positive initiative to combat graffiti plagued areas. It’s an amazing opportunity for Wellington to support emerging talented artists and encourages the spirit that art can be accessible for everyone’s pleasure and enjoyment.

EoC already proudly exhibits Xoe Hall’s pop-art mural in the front entrance and Sara was inspired by neighbouring businesses commitment to supporting street art to extend the experience for passersby & customers to the store’s rear courtyard.

The Neighbouring-building owner recently funded the car park entrance alleyway artwork, by local Street Artist Sean Duffell. Sean’s mural attracts plenty of local & touring visitors to enter the alleyway in full appreciation of his outstanding work. The front of that building & Fringe Bar’s entrance also presents Xoe Hall’s mural works. These businesses and others along Cuba St are all creating a real destination for experiencing Wellington Street Art.

EoC, at 150 Vivian Street, occupies the site well known for “Madeline’s” (a gallery from the late 70’s early 80”s), and most recently the Mary Newton Gallery. The store warmly host an eclectic mix of fresh, clean and inspiring talented local Wellington Creators. Includes - Artists, Writers, Contemporary Jewellers, & talented musicians. EoC are main providers of Inya Neighbourhood T shirts (in collaboration with Stephen Templer) & exclusive stockist of the locally made women’s label Frieda Be. - “Fashion for feeling good and moving well in.

East of Cuba Winter Solstice Sunday 19 June 1-3pm in our rear courtyard.