“Lamar Reflections” Mural is Taking Shape

“Lamar Reflections” is the name for the mosaic mural under construction on West Elm Street in Lamar.  The mural will be erected in Bi-Centennial Park in Lamar prior to the September 20 arrival of over 1,000 bicyclists taking part in the annual Pedal the Plains event.

Early Mural Design in Color

The art work on the panels, which will stand two feet off the ground, and measure 24 by 8 feet, will be located in the northwest corner of the park where some sod is being removed to reroute sprinklers away from the mural once it’s set up.  $1,000 was granted for the project by the Colorado Creative Industries.  Other contributions are helping fund the $13,000 estimated cost of the project.  Work on the mural is under the direction of local artist Jeremy Cooper and John Gersick from the Lamar High School art department. 

Student Artist Taking a Break

Cooper said he and about 18 volunteer high school art students, as well as adult volunteers are etching in the first draft of the mural on a number of separate panels.  “We’re working under an obvious deadline,” Cooper said, “And the work is underway from 8am to 8pm, whenever we can accommodate someone’s schedule to come in.”  The work is being done at the former coffee shop, The Perk on West Elm Street in Lamar. 

Student Artist

The ideas for the mural are collaboration from high school students, students from the HOPE Center and Southeast Colorado Arts Council.  The depictions on the mural range from the variety of fowl that can be found in Prowers County, historic sites, athletic events from organized sports to skateboarding as well as a base in agriculture and ranching.  Cooper said the panel will be structured to allow the southeast plains winds to flow under the panels as well as in-between each of the twelve sections which will be placed in a ‘V’ shape at the park. 

Portion of Mural Panels

Donations are being sought to defray most of the expenses of the project, as the estimate has gone beyond current available funding.  If anyone would like to contribute to the project, contact either Shawna Hodge at the Lamar Chamber of Commerce or Rose Ann Yates from the Arts Council.

By Russ Baldwin