Work has begun on Bonham Street Mural which was designed to highlight local artists and their individual style.
The idea to do a mural on the wooden panels began with Cheri Bedford, Andrew Mack, Brad Archer, Carolyn Patterson and Lena Spoonemore Spencer.
“We discussed a mural on site to cover the wooden panels across the front of the property,” said Spencer. “I want to focus on our local artists and their individual styles.”
One of those artists, Candra Wyatt suggested highlighting the industry eta using a 1920s American Art style.
“I loved that idea and built the design around that. The industry is in the middle and creating the bubbles or circles and as they come forward they grow larger. This is symbolizing a connection between the past and present, hard work, dreams of the past and hopes of the future. Children are looking and dreaming of possibilities.”
Local artists, each with a bubble, are Lena Spencer, James Carey, Andrea Doss, Mary West, Chelsea Delarosa, Dana Christopherson, Mario Munguia, Candra Wyatt, Ashley Langehennig, Timothy Nabors, Marlee Garrison, Emily Brownfield, Lexxi Haage, Alhana Shafer, Megan Pederson, Criselda Garcia, Suzanna Coyle, and Mary Hart.
Several local schools and students have also helped on the project and everyone who has contributed has volunteered their time and talent.
The project was sponsored by the Paris Area Arts Alliance, who agreed to fund the paint and Brad Archer, of Archers Construction and Design, who furnished the panels, and primed them.
“Once the Archers begin building on this site, they plan on donating the mural to the Paris Area Arts Alliance and be relocated and preserved if possible. We hope this will add to the beauty and culture of Paris. I’m happy to see the support of the arts in Paris. Public art promotes tourism, boosts our economy and is an integral part of our creative expression.”
Spencer said she hopes to complete the project by the end of May.
The Bonham Street Mural is located at 333 Bonham Street in Paris.
