Mural Project 2022
Project SPonsors
History of the United Way mural
In 1992, artists Pat Olson and Robin Nelson created a mural made of tiles that featured the United Way logo and the handprints of donors and community leaders who have supported the organization. This art piece was located in the breezeway of the 500 block of Main Street. After thirty years of community enjoyment, sadly, the logo portion of the tile art piece was lost due to age and the rest of the piece was barely holding on. Working with Downtown Grand Junction and the building’s owner, United Way of Mesa County looked to the future generation of the community for help.
The Vision From Mesa County Youth
Throughout 2022, United Way of Mesa County worked closely with a local art class at New Emerson Elementary school to brainstorm ideas for a new downtown mural that reflects the ideas of philanthropy, community, and United Way’s mission. In March of 2022, third grade students from Lora Quesenberry’s art class presented their ideas for a new downtown mural that reflects these ideas and the mission of United Way to a panel of local artists and United Way staff and volunteers.
“The ideas presented by the students were stunning and touching,” says United Way of Mesa County Executive Director Zebulon Miracle. “The thought, creativity, and passion that each student put into their art work was amazing. We feel that this will be a wonderful way to engage the community in thinking about philanthropy and community.”
Artist Selection
In August, a call for artists was released to the public that included images of the children’s artwork to use as inspiration in their proposals. Three artists were selected to present their concepts to the students at New Emerson, and the class, now in fourth grade, had a chance to interview each applicant, view their ideas, and ask questions. Using the students feedback and in partnership with Downtown Grand Junction, GJ Creates, and the building’s owner, a final artist was selected to complete the project. Emily Adamson will now take these ideas and create a new mural, incorporating the students vision and capturing the mission of United Way of Mesa County. The students will also have a chance participate in the creation of this piece, working with Emily to create a doodle grid that will help guide her work.
The Vision Coming to Life
In order to realize this vision, the handprint tiles needed to be removed. On September 26 and 27 we worked with a contractor to try to save as many of the tiles as possible and plan to incorporate them into a new piece and return the tiles that were saved to the donors/families. Our organization was excited about the new piece and are proud of the work of the students, but we wanted to proceed with respect for those community members that were part of the old display. We will always remember, appreciate, and be inspired by those that have – and continue to – build United Way of Mesa County and our community into what it is today.
As one of the first steps for the new mural, the fourth grade class of New Emerson helped Emily create a doodle grid to help guide her final work.
The Unveiling
On Thursday, October 27th 2022 we held the grand unveiling event for the new art installation! The students from Mrs. Quesenberry’s class were able to come out and help us reveal the finished piece and ask questions about the installation process. It was a wonderful morning one we will not soon forget.
