Arts and letters

THURSDAY, Sept. 8 — Attendees at the Lansing City Market’s Grand Concert Series have probably noticed the 6-foot LAFCU letters alongside the Grand River. The traveling letters, based on the mid-Michigan-based credit union’s blue and white logo, regularly appear at LAFCU-sponsored community events. But last month, the letters were given an artistic overhaul. The revamped letters, painted by five Michigan artists, were unveiled July 27 at the Grand Concert Series.

“The LAFCU letters have provided yet another way for us to connect with our members and share a little fun and inspiration within the communities LAFCU serves,” said Kelli A. Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU senior vice president of marketing. “Through the creativity of these artists, they have demonstrated the possibilities of when art, growth and community come together.”

Each letter has a different theme. Lansing’s Derek Allmendinger painted the letter L as a photo shoot of LAFF-E the Cow, LAFCU’s mascot.

Local graffiti artists Sam “Samskee” DeBourbon decorated the letter A with a “happy color fusion” design.

The letter F, painted by Laura Gajewski of Portland, is based on vintage REO Flying Cloud advertisements of the 1920s.The letter C, by Jeremy Coats of Kalamazoo, represents growth and community.

The letter C, by Jeremy Coats of Kalamazoo, represents growth and community.

And Lansing’s Brian Whitfield painted the letter U, with the two sides of the letter representing two sides of Lansing: the state capital and “our home.”

The letters will return to the Grand Concert Series for its final pair of concerts Sept. 14 and 15. Local smooth jazz saxophonist Phil Denny headlines Sept. 14, and Frog & the Beeftones closes out the series Sept. 15. The concerts are free; attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. City Market businesses will stay open late to provide food and beverages. The LAFCU letters will appear at other community events throughout the year.