Topeka history project preparing to expand
Panels will cover 900-foot area, involve community
As temperatures increase, so does the activity at the Great Mural Wall of Topeka.
The walls for the mural, located at S.W. 20th and Western, were prepared Monday, and brush strokes will follow in early June. A dedication took place in June 2007 for the first 60 feet that were painted. The mural now has two large panels that focus on history and revitalization of the area, as well as longtime Topeka philanthropist Grant Cushinberry. Smaller relief panels below the main panels contribute to the mural.
The mural, when finished, will cover a 900-foot space, which was donated by the city of Topeka Water Division, according to earlier Topeka Capital-Journal articles.
Lawrence artist David Loewenstein has been working on the project for about a year and a half. It was initiated by the Chesney Park Neighborhood Improvement Association and is sponsored by the Weed and Seed program. Rachel Pantos is the coordinator of the program.
"The point is to weed out crime in a particular neighborhood and seed in positive attitudes, positive activities and neighborhood restoration, in an attempt to improve the community," Pantos said.
Loewenstein currently is preparing 150 feet of the wall, which he plans to paint this summer. While he is the artist that has been hired to paint the mural, he plans to involve the community.
"It's about the cultural history and people's history of Topeka," he said. "It's not just the most famous well-known folks, or the biggest events that have happened. But more things people are interested in and hoping for in their own neighborhoods."
In an effort to include as many people as possible, Loewenstein has hired apprentices, and he encourages the entire community to be an active part of the work.
He spent the winter months collaborating with community members and neighborhood groups to find ideas for the mural.
There will be certain days this summer where members of the community will be able to come out and help paint the mural, too.
Pantos said it is a great way for families to become involved in the community.
"I think it's going to be a great project," she said. "It's a great opportunity for kids and families to get involved in a project that improves their neighborhood. And it is exciting because they will be able to see immediate results."
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