Thanks to a grant from the Central Kansas Partnership, the Barton Arts Movement is thrilled to announce that another mural project is launching in Barton County this week. However, this project will be a series of three different, colorful, inspiring, and interactive installations in Hoisington, Ellinwood, and Claflin - all of them themed around resilience and positive mental health.
"We're calling the series 'Rise Above' and each mural will incorporate those words in large print," says Rachel Mawhirter, co-chair for the Barton Arts Movement. "Each project will serve as an interactive backdrop for people to take pictures with, making it perfect content for social media. Our goal is that we will not only promote hope through the Rise Above message, but that we can also bring awareness and interest to each community."
Each art installation will take a different spin on the message, with the subject matter varying from community to community, while still conveying a message of positivity around the central theme. "We hope these murals will serve as a reminder that we're all in this together," Mawhirter says. "Nothing is insurmountable if neighbors continue supporting neighbors and help to connect those who are struggling with the resources and encouragement they need to overcome adversity."
Hoisington's project will feature a colorful set of balloons at 115 N. Main Street on the side of Mitchell's Wood Furniture and More next to a beautiful green space owned and maintained by First Kansas Bank.
Ellinwood's project will feature a set of eagle's wings at 16 N. Main Street on the side of Jensen Associates Inc. Insurance Agency.
Claflin's project is still being finalized, but will have a unique interpretation on the Rise Above theme located on the side of the Independent Township Library at 108 Main Street.
All three murals are being painted by Mindy's Murals out of Junction City. Residents and visitors are invited to stop by the mural locations to watch the progress over the next week or two (depending on the weather). Mindy is starting today in Hoisington and will make her way around to the other communities after that.
"We also hope these projects will spur further excitement around our 'Call to Communities' fundraising initiative, with the goal of raising necessary funds for more projects in 2022," Mawhirter added. "The more engagement and donations we receive, the bigger our response can be next summer."
Anyone interested in responding to the call is encouraged to make a donation of any size at www.goldenbeltcf.org/donate/. Donors need to include #BAM in the notes section of the online form so the gift will be allocated to the Barton Arts Movement. All gifts are tax deductible.
Barton Arts Movement is a grassroots, volunteer movement to "Inspire Community Pride through Public Art." Launched earlier in 2021, the group will have implemented 5 outdoor murals in less than six months, with more plans in the works for digital collage installations happening this winter. Supporters are encouraged to follow the movement on social media to get the latest scoop on #BAM projects: www.facebook.com/bartonartsmovement. More can also be learned about past projects at www.bartonartsmovement.com.