Resting Art Mural Benches

PRESS RELEASE
July 22, 2022
Clay Center - The Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation teamed up with Grow Clay County to apply for the Rural Mural and Public Art grant program through the Office of Rural Prosperity. We were awarded $10,000 for our “Resting Art”: Murals on Benches project.
The idea for this project was born out of a need for resting areas along our new trail and downtown. This project will complement the murals in Clay Center by incorporating more art throughout the community and in different settings. We were not able to budget benches along the new trail and felt this would be a way to add benches and extend the art offerings in our area.
We were able to access the full amount of the grant because of the amazing partnerships that provided matching dollars. A Mural Movement of Clay Center, the Clay County Arts Council, Clay Center Lions and Clay Center Rotary provided the financial support necessary to apply for the grant.
We have reached out to several professional mural artists, issued a call for local artists, and have had a terrific response. Our very own Tracy Lebo will be painting something extraordinary on a bench. We are also teaming up with new Clay Center Community High School art teacher, Michele Younker, and art students to design and paint four benches. The eclectic mix of artists will provide renderings that appeal to all. The benches will be painted and placed prior to December 31, 2022.
The work of A Mural Movement of Clay Center has proven that art can drive economics, attract visitors, add to the quality of life, and create a place people are proud to call home.
We are still needing to raise $2,000 to be able to complete fourteen benches. If you are interested in donating or would like a bench dedicated in the honor of a loved one, please reach out to Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation or Grow Clay County.