Neillsville citywide mural project begins
The City of Neillsville’s Murals Work Group is launching an all-volunteer, citywide mural project. A sub-committee of the city’s Beautification Committee, the Murals Work Group began as an idea a few years ago and is now becoming a reality. In conjunction with the 2025 City of Neillsville Heritage Days, the Murals Project will feature two murals. Atraveling mural board will be displayed at various Heritage Days locations and a fixed mural will be created during Heritage Days in the West Street parking lot next to the Heritage Days tent.
Murals can impact communities by adding colorful art to spaces that were previously blank, drab, deteriorating, or abandoned. With streets lined with murals, the area may gain a new energy and purpose. The aim is for murals to help create a sense of community and showcase local history, achievements, and points of interest.
Currently, the city’s Mural Project Work Group includes members of the City of Neillsville Beautification Committee, Historical Preservation Commission, Neillsville Improvement Corporation, and a local artist. These volunteers hope the first murals will spark interest from other local artists, people who can help prepare building surfaces for painting, and people of all ages who want to participate.
In addition to making buildings and spaces more attractive, the project anticipates an increase in tourism traffic. Mural viewers are a growing segment of visitors to communities, and their economic impact can be significant.
Local resident artist Shawn Ganther has designed and painted a traveling mural of Neillsville. Ganther is volunteering his time and talent, and supplies are being purchased with a grant from the City of Neillsville Tourism Commission. Asecond mural, designed by Ganther, is planned for the south wall in the lower portion of the West Street parking lot and is intended as a fundraising event.
The West Street mural will be drawn and noted with a color code. On Sunday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteers of all ages can assist with its completion. Interested individuals are asked to come to the West Street parking lot (lower level). Paint supplies and old t-shirts will be available. Donations are accepted at all mural display locations to help pay for supplies and fund future mural projects.
The Murals Work Group is seeking sites for additional murals within the city limits. Several locations have been identified and discussions with property owners are ongoing. Local artists interested in helping with future murals are encouraged to contact Barb Petkovsek, chair of the Beautification Committee. Assistance will be needed with future mural designs and their completion. Volunteers willing to help with building/surface preparation are also needed. Buildings will need to be cleaned and prepped, and some may require repairs before painting begins.
The committee estimates that this all-volunteer Murals Project will take at least five years to complete. Financial support is needed to cover expenses, and community and local business support is appreciated. The Murals Work Group generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at Neillsville City Hall. Community members are invited to attend and share their ideas and talents.
