ARCY, a skilled street artist who has been mastering his craft for more than two decades, will return to Hooplandia to produce a commemorative mural for this year’s event, June 20-22.
ARCY has a global footprint; he has developed large scale, permanent art pieces throughout North America, Australia and Europe. His work has captured the spirit of The Smithsonian Institute, Major League Baseball, America’s National Parks Service and The Walt Disney Company. His work is entirely his own; his subjects range from hyperrealist portraits of people and animals to vibrant still life paintings, all of which are typically juxtaposed on brilliant backgrounds of saturated splatters.
Ryan “ARCY” Christenson, of Conn., is no stranger to Eastern States Exposition (ESE); while growing up in the region, he looked forward to attending The Big E each fall. Now, his work is a fixture on the colorful front of the Coliseum, the fairground’s first facility. His work on the building, which is affectionately nicknamed the “Colly” by ESE staff, is an homage to the organization’s history with references to Eddie Shore’s hocket legacy, major names in entertainment that have performed at the complex and The Big Parade, a Mardi Gras celebration that occurs every night of The Big E.
ARCY has also been a staple at Hooplandia’s previous two installments. Throughout the weekend, he creates a live mural that captures the energy of the tournament in a display of true talent. In 2024, his mural was inspired by the excitement he witnessed on the courts and featured silhouettes of the tournament’s players leaping in the air and reaching for glory, as well as logos from the event’s top sponsors. Hooplandia event organizers are eager to see what ARCY will create next.
“I can’t wait for this year’s tournament, and I am most looking forward to what Hooplandia does best: bringing the community together!” the artist said, when asked about the 2025 tourney. “The camaraderie among the athletes and their supporters shines, and you can feel their energy throughout the weekend. This energy helps me to deliver through my performance of creating artwork, as well!”
Join us June 20-22—as a volunteer, visitor or player—to see ARCY paint the electric atmosphere that comes at life at Hooplandia.