Grand Island Mural Restoration and Enhancement
Unfortunately, some time between March 21st and March 22nd, the mural located at the Grand Island Plaza was “tagged” in multiple spots. In an effort to clean up the mural and re-paint the damaged imagery, this page was created to offset the costs of purchasing paint and associated materials.
Any excess funds that are raised will go towards wireless solar lights to be attached to each mural archway. This will allow for the mural to be showcased at night and hopefully deter any future graffiti. In the event any monies collected exceed the cost of paint and lights, it will be donated to the Deglopper Memorial Fund.
For more information or to be added to a volunteer list for a ‘painting day’ to be determined, please contact this page directly.
Update as of 10:00am on March 23rd: The artist of the original mural, Terry Klaaren has been contacted so that he knows what’s going on and can offer his expertise in the restoration process.
Update as of 10:30am on March 23rd: The company DecoArt, who supplied the original outdoor acrylic paint has been contacted. DecoArt does not typically sell containers larger than 2 ounces, therefore if they cannot accommodate a larger order and it becomes too expensive, an alternative brand will be used.
Update as of 11:30am on March 23rd: Cindy Wynne, art teacher at GrandIsland High School has agreed to help spread the word to art students once a ‘painting day’ has been established.
Update as of 1:00pm on March 23rd: The property manager at the Grand Island Plaza has been contacted and he has given permission for painting and light installation to occur. The property owner himself was also spoken with directly to ensure he is aware and also in agreement.
Update as of 10:00pm on March 23rd: Nancy Wonacott, retired art teacher and avid community supporter, will be supervising and instructing volunteers who sign up to assist in the restoration of the mural. The tentative plan is to schedule a date near the end of April to start and complete the restoration work over the course of one to two days.
Update as of 1:00am on March 24th: Terry Klaaren sends his best from Florida and wishes he were in town to take care of this. He has provided great instructions on how to best cover up the graffiti and hopes to visit Grand Island later this summer. Hopefully our GoFundMe is strong and Terry will be able to further refresh his beautiful work during his visit.
Update as of 12:00pm on March 24th: A solid group of team leaders has been established to oversee the painting. We will need volunteers to assist and those interested are encouraged to message this page to be added to a volunteer list. Tentatively planning a date for work to commence at the end of April.
Update as of 1:00pm on March 24th: We have officially reached the fundraising goal set out by the GoFundMe page after just 24 hours. Great job, Grand Island! More donations are anticipated and should exceed the amount needed to complete this project.
Update as of 1:30pm on March 24th: Contact has been made with Town Hall and the Code Enforcement office to ensure a permit or variance is not needed for this particular light installation. As long as the lights meet the requirements that were provided, we will be all set.
Update as of 5:00pm on March 24th: George Smith, Technology teacher at GrandIsland High School and member of the original mural painting team will also be directing and assisting any painting volunteers during the cleanup and restoration process. With Art Directors Nancy Wonacott and George Smith on site to assist volunteers, we are in for a fun and educating day of painting!
Update as of 6:00pm on March 24th: Lights and a backup brand of paint have all been lined up. Once confirmation is made on whether or not DecoArt will be able to assist with the quantities of paint needed, supplies will all be ordered. A painting day will be scheduled somewhere between April 8-13 or April 25-30. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to use the direct contact form on the GoFundMe page.
Get to know the mural - original project in the news:
Islander Plans Mural Project for Grand Island Plaza
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2012/08/10/107427/islander-plans-mural-project-for-grand-island-plaza
Mural work is artist's 'Thank you' to Grand Island
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2012/10/05/108040/mural-work-is-artists-thank-you-to-grand-island
Mural, Taste of Grand Island both coming into form
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/featured/2012/09/28/107951/mural-taste-of-grand-island-both-coming-into-form
Isledegrande Mural News
http://www.isledegrande.com/fallfestival/2012.php