The Barton Arts Movement, in partnership with local nonprofit organization Great Bend Alive, is hosting a Volunteer Work Day on Friday, September 9th (NEW date due to weather forecast!) for the new Art Alley. This colorful street mural will be painted directly onto the pavement using specialized paint, located in the alley that connects Forest Avenue and Lakin Avenue behind Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend. Local artist Melanie Ryan developed the design, and is spearheading the implementation of the new mural.
"This project will allow members of the public to get involved in a paint-by-numbers style format, assisting with the prepping and priming of the surface, followed by the painting itself," says Sara Hayden, President of Great Bend Economic Development, Inc. and "We are so proud to partner with the Barton Arts Movement on this volunteer work day, and can't wait to watch the community rally behind this new project to bring Art Alley to life!"
Barton Arts Movement is seeking volunteers to sign up for 90-minute shifts on the September 9th work day. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and able-bodied, meaning they can squat, kneel, lift at least 25 pounds, and endure hot temperatures without risk of injury. Anyone interested in participating can sign-up using the online form prior to September 8th. More details will be provided in a text / email reminder a day or two before the Volunteer Work Day.
The new street mural is part of a larger scale effort to revitalize and energize the downtown Great Bend area. Great Bend Alive is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization working to improve the downtown area and help recruit young professionals and young families back to the area. Donations are still being accepted by Great Bend Alive to help fund the $4,500 (approximate) needed for paint and supplies for Art Alley. Artist Melanie Ryan generously donated her time for this project, and is not receiving any professional fees.
"We are so grateful to Melanie for generously offering her time and talents to this project to make it a reality," Hayden says. "This colorful new street mural will be such a welcoming and vibrant addition to all the other exciting changes in downtown Great Bend."
Learn more about Great Bend Alive, or donate to help fund Art Alley by visiting www.gbedinc.com/gbalive. Or, to sign up as a volunteer for the Art Alley Volunteer Work Day, click here.