Friends of the Valdese Rec has been thinking about a mural at Children’s Park for some time – something that would be a “selfie photo op.” After meeting with artists and trying to find the “right” painted scene, FVR President Beth Heile was inspired by a recent metal installation at Waldensian Presbyterian Church.
Thanks to Sam’s Recycled Art and a private donor, this project can take place as soon as we have Valdese Recreation Department approval.
The idea is metal silhouettes of four children in different poses (designed by Sam’s Recycled Art – the above is just an example). The center slot will be open for a child visiting the park to stand/jump/twirl in for a picture to post on social media.
The background will be painted with a simplistic background scene that will not detract from the 4 children. However, the elements will be used in future park upgrades – the colors for painting items that are brown now, the butterflies that can be made of metal and attached to trees, etc.
In addition, a hopscotch game will be painted on the asphalt walkway just before the mural.
Being one of the first town elements motorists see when they are driving in on Hwy 70, this park should be a showpiece. Bright, fun elements is a great start.
Scope of work will include FVR working with Sam’s Recycled Art on the design of the children, painting, paying, overseeing the project. Sam’s Recycled Art will design, fabricate and install the 4 metal children onto the wall of the picnic shelter. Before that, they will pressure wash the wall and paint the mural background and hopscotch game. A brass plaque will be attached to the wall recognizing the donor. There will be no cost to the town. In fact, the project is offering to patch an unsightly hole in the wall and do what is needed to the light fixtures. No town money will be spent this project.