Bell’s Brewery revealed a new mural on the west side of its downtown retail campus from Kalamazoo-based Dream Scene Placemaking.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve our spaces downtown,” said Larry Bell, president and owner of the 35-year-old brewery. “Our team is very dedicated, and I am always thinking about how to take this space to another level.”
The mural project had been in the planning stages for a few years. Work was scheduled to begin just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. Dream Scene owners and husband-and-wife team Anna Lee Roeder and Erik Vasilauskas began working on the mural April 19. It was completed May 14 and now is one of the largest outdoor pieces of artwork in Kalamazoo.
The mural incorporates images and messaging that represent what Bell’s is passionate about: the highest-quality ingredients (hops), innovation along with high-quality and consistent craft beer (silhouette of the original brewery) no matter how much the brewery grows over time.
It also features the Brewers Associations’ Independent Seal, which can only be used by breweries who fit the trade group’s definition of small, independent craft brewers. The company’s commitment to being “Open to All” is also represented in the mural.
“‘Open to All’ greets everyone who visits any of our buildings, whether that’s our pub, store or our Comstock Brewery,” said Carrie Yunker, Bell’s executive vice president. “We are firmly committed to an environment that is rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion for our employees and our guests. This mural makes that statement loud and clear.”
To celebrate the completion and official unveiling of the mural, the café will offer $1 off all B1 Beers (specialty beers brewed at Bell’s original brewery that are only available at Bell’s pub) from June 4-6. This coincides with the city of Kalamazoo’s JumpstART (previously June Jubilee) celebration of the local arts community and the kickoff to summer.
The café will celebrate its 28th anniversary June 11.
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