Western High School graduate Evan Struck works on a mural at Virtue Drums, 1206 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson.
By Jeff Steers
JTV News
(July 7, 2021 4:10 PM) The prince of speed painting in Jackson had to slow down a bit to complete a large mural this week.
Evan Struck has been working on a mural honoring Geno Parker at Virtue Drums, 1206 W. Michigan Ave – just west of North Wisner.
The mural will cover the entire wall on the east side of the business.
Struck was the artist who depicted Benny Poole on a large mural at Nite Lite last year. Parker played drums for Poole and numerous other artists in the area.
“It is cool to honor another local, Jackson musician,” Struck said of the project.
Virtue Drums owner Jeff Stutzman put out the word on Facebook looking for someone to honor on the blank wall. He said the name Geno Parker kept “popping up.”
Struck is expected to finish the mural on Thursday – weather permitting. The large mural is different for Struck who normally does speed painting in a matter of minutes with a subject in front of him.
For the mural of Parker, Struck uses a sketch of the artist, a high-low, paint, and spray paint.
“Speed painting is so different,” Struck said. “With murals I still have to be able to translate the message through my art.”
Only 19, Struck has been all over the United States demonstrating his speed painting abilities. He is making a living as an artist and expects to launch My Masterpiece Paint Zip Company by the end of the month.
Struck is expected to start another mural next week honoring Brenda Hughes for her efforts in giving back to the Jackson community.
“I have been successful in the art business through patience and trying to do as much as I can (in the art field),” Struck said. “I can’t wait to get back out there in person this fall.”
Struck says that he loves to travel and finds his biggest joy in speed painting.
“Speed painting is about practicing (prior to the show) and knowing what I want to create and show.
“I have been trying to build my brand.”
Struck put in 12 hours on Tuesday at the Parker mural in the near 90-degree heat. He accomplished a lot in that short period of time.
“It took a lot of water to get through 12 hours,” Struck said.
Photos by Jeff Steers, JTV News.