High-Tech Biz Incubator Adds Original Art

MOUNT PLEASANT (WWJ) -- Creativity, innovation and placemaking are more than a trend in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Area artists Lindsay Nicole and Nick Castillon just completed two large scale murals at the business accelerator Central Michigan University Research Corp.

"In economic development offices, tracking the creation of businesses and jobs is a given," said CMURC President and CEO Erin O'Brien. "At CMURC we are trying to create the perfect environment for creativity and innovation to flourish, so it was only natural to integrate art."

The artists were contracted to energize the offices and bring new life to the entrepreneurial community. Castillon was chosen after the designer, Aimee Goudreau of Goudreau and Associates, saw his talents at the Art Reach Art Battle in 2012. Lindsay Nicole was selected due to her talents and strong passion for art and the community and said, "I love seeing my work around the community, being artful and having the chance to share my passion."

The artwork is part of the design in the new Station at CMURC, a place where regional service providers are selected to rent space and serve the needs of start up companies with their professional services.

CMURC is not the only business around that is noticing and integrating art, a group of business leaders that comprise the Great Lakes Bay Region Alliance, will be celebrating "Fall In…Art and Sol," a solar art festival in October. Other businesses and entrepreneurs that focus on creating a unique experience and environment include Camille's Dinner on the River Garden and Max and Emily's Summer Concert Series.

CMURC is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing economic development in the community by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone and its local, regional and statewide partners to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, growing businesses and jobs.