Local Artists Take On LAFCU

Local Artists Take On LAFCU
August 24, 2016 Marketing GrafWebCUSO

The LAFCU letters are once again on the move.

First introduced in a television commercial with a team of 12 LAFCU employees constructing them, the six-foot tall letters have become the Lansing, Mich.-based credit union’s big, friendly brand ambassadors.

They’ve generated some social media buzz as locals can’t resist taking selfies with the travelling letters as they are on display at various local events.

lafcu lettersAs part of LAFCU’s Art, Growth & Community Series the letters have become works of art courtesy of five local artists who were each chosen to paint a letter. They were officially unveiled during the Jazz & Blues Concert Series on the Grand. The letters will appear at LAFCU sponsored community events throughout the Lansing, Mich. area the remainder of 2016.

Here’s a look at each artist’s inspired, creative expression:

lafcu lettersLetter: L

Artist: Derek Allmendinger

Style: Warhol Inspired

Materials: Acrylics

Derek Allmendinger’s letter “L” was inspired by his surroundings, or lack thereof. Allmendinger regularly visits LAFCU and looks at all its history throughout the branches.

Allmendinger noticed LAFCU’s mascot, LAFF-E the Cow, doesn’t get much love and wanted to fix that. His piece depicts LAFF-E having a photoshoot. As Allmendinger put it, “We all know LAFF-E wouldn’t stand still for a photoshoot.”

After viewing his piece, Allmendinger wants people to learn to let it go and have no fear.

lafcu lettersLetter: A

Artist: Sam “Samskee” DeBourbon

Style: Graffiti

Materials: Spray Paint

Sam “Samskee” DeBourbon’s letter “A” is influenced by his love for patterns and colors.

Samskee said his piece embodies “happy color fusion – happy family.” While viewing his artwork, Samskee hopes people learn to just have fun.

He believes art is therapy for himself and can be for others who don’t even realize it.

lafcu lettersLetter: F

Artist: Laura Gajewski

Style: Mixed media

Materials: Spray Paint, Acrylics

Laura Gajewski’s letter “F” is influenced by vintage REO Flying Cloud advertisements from 1927 and 1929.

These advertisements pictured many clouds which inspired Gajewski to create her own rendition.

Gajewski hopes those viewing her piece see it as her best self.

lafcu lettersLetter: C

Artist: Jeremy Coats

Style: Surrealism

Materials: Acrylics

Jeremy Coats’ letter “C” is influenced by his interest in surrealism and hidden images.

Coats incorporated the ideas of growth and community into his art.

He wants people to be intrigued and feel some sense of mystery when viewing his piece.

lafcu lettersLetter: U

Artist: Brian Whitfield

Style: Cubism

Materials: Acrylics, Paint Markers

Brian Whitfield’s letter “U” is influenced by the letter itself.

Whitfield saw the two sides of the “U” as the two different Lansings we know and love – Lansing the Capitol and Lansing our home.

Whitfield creates art for himself but hopes people feel good when viewing it.