By Kathleen Kresa
Here's a pic of the Hiouchi Bears which will be featured as part of the mural going on the Hiouchi Hotel, Hwy. 101 next spring. The mural will include both fly and driftboat fishing, the bears, a pair of deer, redwoods and an osprey. The original painting of the bears will be in Manley Art Center for the whole month of December. I am Artist of the Month there.
The newly formed Smith River Heritage Association is now doing fundraising for a GIANT historical mural of Smith River. It will be on the side of Ray's grocery store. Half the town of Smith River will be involved in helping to paint this mural for their town.
Also coming in Smith River next summer is a Lily Mural, designed by Liz Crockett, who recently returned to the town where she grew up after many years in the Southern California area with her own graphics design business. The Farm Bureau will be funding that and I will be directing the crew of artists.
Beginning last October, I started the "re-do" for the ruined Remax mural on 9th Street, which the City of Crescent City funded. The mural was almost finished then I got very ill. I have been unable to finish it yet.
In August, a mural by the Redwood Mural Society at the Caltrans building at U.S. Hwy. 101 and Northcrest Drive was dedicated. See the article by the Daily Triplicate about the mural.
The mural includes a depiction of Former congressman Don Clausen, who attended the dedication.
There is talk about a mural for the Tolowa tribe, it may go on the new construction that is happening at the Lucky 7 Casino at this moment. I have been trying to encourage that mural for the past 5 years because I have a special fondness for Native American history. Would LOVE to see that one done!
Also, I am communicating with Joe Gillespie, who has been in the news several times with his work on natural energy, particularly wind power. From what I understand, he teaches gardening to the kids at Crescent Elk middle school. He wants a gardening mural and wants the kids to paint it. That is on the burner for next summer too....
I
I am looking for a new wall home for the "Brookings Mermaid". She was designed to go on the front of the pool building in Brookings, but the idea was canned because the pool committee felt she would be too tempting to graffitti. She was modeled by one of Brookings' children, Abbey Crabtree. The original painting will also be at Manley Art Center for the month of December. Seems a shame to let her go......all I need is a wall.
