Injection molder Matrix 4 — or M4 — and its owner, Patricia Miller, have done a lot of work to change the image of what manufacturing looks like. Now they're taking that message to the streets, commissioning an art mural from Lauren Asta to cover the outside walls of its plant in Woodstock, Ill.
Miller said with the mural, Asta can inspire both the M4 team and surrounding community.
"I had seen Lauren's work in Chicago, loved the black and white style, its gender neutrality and clear vision. It was important for me to partner with a strong female artist like Lauren to manifest our vision of bringing art and creativity to the factory and community," Miller said in a news release.
The M4 site is on a prominent corner in Woodstock and serves as a gateway to the community, Miller said. Asta added that community members frequently checked in with her throughout the four-week project.