Mural project grows into movement in Clay Center

<b>Located at 420 Court Street, the "Greetings From" mural features area attractions and scenes of Clay County as rural life is celebrated. Created by Whitney Kerr III and Elliott McAnany, the mural was installed in November 2020 and was the first by A Mural Movement.</b> All photos courtesy A Mural Movement — Located at 420 Court Street, the "Greetings From" mural features area attractions and scenes of Clay County as rural life is celebrated. Created by Whitney Kerr III and Elliott McAnany, the mural was installed in November 2020 and was the first by A Mural Movement. All photos courtesy A Mural Movement

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post

CLAY CENTER - Not even a pandemic could put a damper on the efforts of a group of Clay Center residents determined to beautify their community.

What began as a Clay Center Rotary Club project has blossomed into A Mural Movement, an effort that involves residents throughout the community.

"Our mission is to beautify the community through the addition of original mural works that reinforce and celebrate our local heritage. A Mural Movement was established in July 2020 and has garnered incredible local support!" Rotary Club President Brent Hubka told Salina Post.

Getting business buy in

To date, a dozen original works of art have been installed around the city in the first 11 months, thanks to local property owners, professional artists, and generous donors working together with A Mural Movement, he said. There also were two murals already in place prior to the beginning of A Mural Movement.

<b>"Windows to Literacy," installed earlier this year by Kerr, Mike Trujilo, Ryan Estel, and Jeremy Bena, can be seen at 706 Sixth Street. The mural is located adjacent to the historic Clay Center Carnegie Library.</b> — "Windows to Literacy," installed earlier this year by Kerr, Mike Trujilo, Ryan Estel, and Jeremy Bena, can be seen at 706 Sixth Street. The mural is located adjacent to the historic Clay Center Carnegie Library.

"When the project first began, the most difficult hurdle was getting permission from business owners to use walls for a mural. As the project gained momentum and people started seeing the quality and professionalism of the murals, new doors were opened to completing additional works," Hubka said.

A Mural Movement's seven-person committee has developed a system in which a business can let them know if it wants a mural on its wall, Hubka said.

"With this system, the property owner is able to select from several tiers of commitment levels. They can simply donate their wall and our committee will select the artists, design, and project timing. Or they can help fund a varying percentage of the mural depending and be more involved in the process and the design that will be installed on their wall," Hubka explained.

<b>"Heroes Live Here," 525 Grant Avenue, was installed earlier this year by Kerr, Estel, Trujilo, and Bena. It honors the contributions and sacrifice of local Clay County citizens.</b> — **"Heroes Live Here," 525 Grant Avenue, was installed earlier this year by Kerr, Estel, Trujilo, and Bena. It honors the contributions and sacrifice of local Clay County citizens.**

"As the project has progressed, some businesses have even completely funded their own murals, selecting their artist, coming up with design, and overseeing installation!" he added.

Momentum growing

As of now, three additional murals are in the works, including A Mural Movement's largest project to date at the Key Feeds facility located along Kansas Highway 15. Led by Whitney Kerr, a team of four artists will work on the mural, sometimes using an 85-foot lift. The project is estimated to take one month to complete.

"In celebration of Clay County heritage, the mural will feature scenes of rural life and agricultural production. This new mural has been made possible by the generosity and partnership of Key Feeds, Jim and Carol Brown, and A Mural Movement donors," Hubka said.

<b>Installed this year, "Rescued" is located at the the Clay County Animal Rescue and Education at 109 S. Fourth Street. It features five of the 1,000 dogs that have been through the facility's doors in the last five years. The mural was created by Kerr, Estel, and Bena.</b> — Installed this year, "Rescued" is located at the the Clay County Animal Rescue and Education at 109 S. Fourth Street. It features five of the 1,000 dogs that have been through the facility's doors in the last five years. The mural was created by Kerr, Estel, and Bena.

Another mural is scheduled to be completed this summer at Lincoln Elementary School and will involve the help of student from the school as a part of their summer learning art week, he said.

The third mural is an installation at the Wardcraft Home Store slated for September.

Artists eager to participate

Thirteen artists have been involved in A Mural Movement projects so far.

<b>The Clay Center Veteran's mural was installed at 701 Fourth Street by Kerr McAnany, and Chase Hunter. A depiction of photographer Joe Rosenthal's famous photo of the flag raising during the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, the mural was dedicated on Feb. 23, the 76th anniversary of the flag raising.</b> — The Clay Center Veteran's mural was installed at 701 Fourth Street by Kerr McAnany, and Chase Hunter. A depiction of photographer Joe Rosenthal's famous photo of the flag raising during the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, the mural was dedicated on Feb. 23, the 76th anniversary of the flag raising.

"They have been from Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and California," Hubka said. "A Mural Movement has fielded calls and messages from prospective artists wanting to bring their talents to Clay Center."

Donors play a key role

Hubka praised donors for helping to make the project a success.

"We can’t thank our donors enough for their incredible generosity! This project would not be possible without their support," he said.

Support for A Mural Movement can be made through tax deductible donations via the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation online at www.ClayCenterCIF.org or mailed to Thurlow and Associates at 432 Court St, Clay Center, KS 67432.

<b>Installed earlier this year by William Counter, "Kansas Stamp" can be seen at 501 Court Street. This depiction of U.S. stamp No. 1061 (issued May 31, 1954) highlights the 100-year anniversary of the Kansas Territory.</b> — Installed earlier this year by William Counter, "Kansas Stamp" can be seen at 501 Court Street. This depiction of U.S. stamp No. 1061 (issued May 31, 1954) highlights the 100-year anniversary of the Kansas Territory.

Mural locations

A Mural Movement has its own website and Facebook page. The website includes and interactive map of all the mural locations. Additionally, printed maps are available in Clay Center.

"Out of town guests are able to tour the murals and view the public art that Clay Center has and to also see what else we have to offer such as our free zoo which has undergone major changes, our local Brewhouse, local shops and other restaurants, and everything else we have we have to offer!" Hubka said.