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GI Mural Project receives help from 2 Island natives

by jmaloni
Sat, Sep 1st 2012 07:00 am

A pair of Grand Island High School alumni are lending their expertise to the ongoing Grand Island Mural Project.

The project, to paint a giant mural on the back of the Grand Island Plaza facing Baseline Road, has received commitments from Grand Island High School Class of 1969 alumni Terry Klaaren and Stan Clifford that the organizer of the project Corey McGowan believes will make the concept a reality.

Clifford, CEO of DecoArt Paints Inc. in Danville, Ky, has promised to donate all of the paint necessary for the 2,500-square-foot mural. Klaaren, an award-winning artist, "is clearing his schedule to be on the Island to work on the project and direct volunteers," according to McGowan.

Both Klaaren and Clifford spent time together at their class reunion in 2009 and discovered they ended up at opposite ends of the same art world. Since then they have worked on various projects, including presenting a portrait to Maestro Gustavo Dudamel after a performance of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, which Klaaren created on-site using the DecoArt professional acrylic paint line.

Klaaren is designing the mural based on a survey of residents who want the historical facts and icons of Grand Island incorporated into the wall design.

"Everyone is looking forward to this mural project, which will be dedicated on Oct. 13 at our first Taste of Grand Island Fall Festival," said McGowan. Klaaren will be on hand at the event putting the finishing touches on the mural.

McGowan said he has received commitments from 25 various vendors to attend the festival and that the number continues to grow.

For more information on the mural project and to donate funds or painting supplies, contact McGowan directly at 716-341-1040.

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