MORE THAN A MURAL: Community Invited to Take Part in Mural Project
renowned muralist Dave Loewenstein to introduce project on Sept. 28
Eau Claire may no longer have a shortage of murals, but local Gabe Brummett is aiming to introduce a different kind of mural to the area – one completely centered around and including the community. With the help of experienced muralist, printmaker, and community organizer Dave Loewenstein, this project invites community members a presentation explaining the More Than a Mural process at Houligans Steak and Seafood Pub (415 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) from 5-7pm on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, Brummett knew of Loewenstein from the area and witnessed firsthand how his art impacted communities. Living in Eau Claire since 2009, Brummett decided that a community mural – specifically, one by Loewenstein – is what Eau Claire needs in order to come together as one.
“There’s a lot of voices (in the community),” Brummett said. “I feel like we can get more done if we have a common vision about who we are as a community.”
So, how will the project work? Loewenstein will visit Eau Claire for about four days for the presentation, and to gain a better sense of what makes our community so special. During the presentation – which the community is invited to attend – folks can learn about Lowenstein’s process, and offer ideas and feedback for the mural.
During the upcoming winter and early spring, Brummett will fundraise for the project alongside Visit Eau Claire with the hope that Loewenstein will return in the late spring to complete the mural on the side of the ArtBoxx Suites (419 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire).
The project was recently the recipient of a $2,000 Downtown Enhancement Grant from Downtown Eau Claire Inc., while the overall fundraising goal is $30,000.
The mural design will aim to tell a story about Eau Claire, based on the interviews he will conduct with locals, as well as bits of the city’s history. Loewenstein created similar murals in the past as part of the Mid-America Mural Project he spearheaded from 2010-2013.
Loewenstein spent six weeks in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Nebraska, creating murals that encapsulated each town, with the help and support of its residents. The Mid-America Mural Project was also the subject of Called to Walls, an award-winning documentary that was released in 2016.
Any community members interested in learning about the project should join Brummett and Loewenstein at Houligans on Sept. 28. “The success of the project is really all about stepping up,” Brummett said. “If you want to get involved in creating something unique that speaks to the uniqueness of Eau Claire, then by all means, get involved. It’s only as good as the people doing it.”
Learn more about Dave Loewenstein’s past mural projects by going to daveloewenstein.com.
