LANSING, Mich. — Thanks to a grant from MI Great Places, Inc., the Michigan Realtors Association placemaking grant program, the Old Town General Store’s wall mural, which kicked off the mural movement that now brightens building walls and community spaces throughout the Old Town neighborhood, will now receive a facelift. The Old Town General Store Community Mural project will bring together the original artist, Peckham artists, Lansing Art Gallery, and other community members to breathe new life into the wallscape and preserve the integrity of the building exterior.
The project will kick-off this summer, with the original artist, Barbara Hranilovich returning to complete a basic design outline, offering the community, and artists of all abilities from Peckham and the Lansing community, to create a paint-by-number style mural. To prepare the site, various community partners will come together to power wash the site, as well as scrape the old paint away. Grant funds will be used to not only help prepare the wall, but also rent the scaffolding, purchase the paint, and other supplies needed for the project. The addition of a new mural on this corner will beautify the entire block, while tying into the vibrant arts and cultural scene found in the artistic Old Town district.
Funding support for this community placemaking project is also made possible by local realtors Diane Sanborn, Brian Huggler, Mitch Crank, Mussleman Realty, Joe Brooks of Fairhaven Financial, Michael Stein Agency-Farm Bureau Insurance in East Lansing, and Rathbun Insurance Agency.
“The significance of this community mural project goes far beyond just another mural on a blank wall. This projects means community, diversity, ownership of a public space, collaboration and teamwork from people of all walks of life; socioeconomic, ethnicity, orientation, identity, metal and physical ability, gender and age. If one can hold a paint brush and take instructions, they are welcome to participate. We are so fortunate to have Barbara Hranilovich, who was the artist that designed the original mural return and design the new one. I am so grateful to everyone who contributed to funding this project and helped us secure a grant from the Michigan Realtors Association –for you have all made this project a reality.” States Old Town General Store owner, Rhea VanAtta.
“Downtown Lansing Inc. was proud to play a role in helping Rhea apply for grant funds and bringing this project to life. This is the next step in helping support the dreams of a community business that supports so many others. Especially during these challenging times, our community needs to come together and celebrate the good news, and recognize the important role that our small businesses and art play in creating a positive experience and developing both a strong sense of place and pride within our neighborhoods.” states DLI Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly.
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