Blended Furniture Market celebrates third anniversary with giant mural from Muskegon artist Jimmy Cobb
If you’ve driven down Seminole Road in Norton Shores recently, you’ve likely noticed an explosion of color emanating from the side of Blended Furniture Market: bright, gigantic flowers now cover the formerly white wall, reminding us all of a world transforming into summer.
To celebrate its third anniversary, the shop commissioned the mural by local artist Jimmy Cobb–whose visual ode to flowers covers a 100-foot-by-12-foot exterior wall outside their business at 730 Seminole Rd.
“We love Muskegon, and we’re excited about having another beautiful thing that people can enjoy here in our community,” said RandiLynn Talsma, who co-owns the store with Jason Talsma. “I love happy colors that make me smile. This artwork is going to be a reflection of who we are and give you a small taste of what you’ll find inside the store.”
After seeing the mural Cobb painted at the 4 Corners Café in North Muskegon, the owners said they were inspired to bring his work to their store. A progressive contemporary artist from Muskegon, Cobb is currently studying at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design.
“As a college student, my time on this planet has been relatively brief,” Cobb writes on his website. “I hope to find more inspiration in the endless amount of curious subjects in my life. I can only hope those that experience my art can also feel moved and compelled to see things from a new perspective.”
A furniture shop with an eclectic range of styles–including modern, cottage, rustic, elegant, and industrial–Blended Furniture Market employs 10 individuals, and the owners note they prioritize supporting other small businesses and artists in the area. Since opening their doors in 2016, they’ve participated in multiple nonprofit fundraisers and hosted events like a floral arrangement class with Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts, located in Lakeside, and a painting night with artist Christi Dreese.
“We plan to be here for a long time and we’re invested in this community,” RandiLynn Talsma said. “We want kids to have their picture taken in front of the mural when they’re two and again when they’re graduating high school and again when they get engaged. I love getting to know our customers as they move through new stages of life.”
Story and photos by Anna Gustafson, the publisher and editor of Muskegon Times. Connect with Anna by emailing MuskegonTimes@gmail.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.