To the Editor,
What a great article by Hannah Wingert, “Fillmore Central Kids Help Paint Preston Mural,” on the front page of the Nov. 7 Fillmore County Journal. Wingert reports about Preston’s mural project including the mural vision, the design process, materials used, and the three mural painting studios held for the public and students. The article describes an art project created to enrich an educational experience for students, and for all of us.
The Preston Area Arts Council and the Preston Public Library, the two lead project coordinators, would like to add to the mural story by acknowledging the support that made the creation of the mural possible. Project collaborators include Alison Love Unzelman, mural artist; Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, social media advertising; Fillmore Central Schools and Preston Christ Lutheran Church, use of building spaces for studio painting; and the City of Preston, approval of mural location on the north library wall and paying the mural mounting expenses.
Important grant funding was received from Southeastern Libraries Collaborating, Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and the Preston Area Community Foundation. The Preston Area Arts Council also received generous donations from Preston businesses, and individuals (a list is available from the arts council).
The wonderful people of all ages and abilities that helped paint the mural are the most rewarding aspect of the project. The youngest painter was age six months and the oldest was age ninety-six, and three and four generations of families came together to paint. One hundred seventy-four residents/visitors, and three hundred thirty-one elementary students helped paint the mural. Five hundred and five people participated!
The “Hooked on Preston” outdoor mural brought together a whole community, in a spirit of collaboration, to create a grand outdoor artwork for all to enjoy for many years to come.
Gerrie Daley and Kay Spangler
Co-Grant Coordinators
Preston Area Arts Council
Preston, MN