Large Mural and Creative District

Valentine Economic Development Director Mark Hagge appeared on the KVSH Comment program Monday morning to update listeners on several community projects.

Hagge made an exciting announcement that work is expected to  start on a large mural project later this month on the south Wall of Huskerland Hardware on the corner of 3rd and Main Streets. The mural will encompass the entire length of the building which runs 130 feet long and 16 feet high.  The final design has not been approved yet, but Hagge says that it will address the traditions, families and history of the area.  Lauren Olson of Oshkosh Nebraska will be the artist and will include some youth involvement.  You can see Laurens work at Lauren Olson art dot com. The 21 to 23 thousand dollars price tag will be covered by grants from the local Pestal Foundation and Nebraska Arts.  Olson has done numerous other murals from Haymarket Park area in Lincoln, to Oshkosh, Benkelman and Bridgeport.

 On other topics, Mr. Hagge reported that over $650,000 has been raised so far for the community theater project which will require about $800,000 for completion. Despite some delays while structural issues were being addressed, the group expects work to be in full swing this summer and fall with possibly showing movies by Christmas.

New sculptures on Valentines Main Street are expected to be in place this week and the annual art walk is set for May 29th.  Artists will be set up on Main Street with the public welcome downtown to check things out.

All these projects are part of the creative district area that encourages people to be downtown.