Bozeman News

Childrens' mural covers site of 2009 explosion

Posted: May 27, 2012 3:32 PM by Christina Lysacek
Updated: May 28, 2012 8:38 AM

Just last week, a piece of blank plywood covered up the vacant lot where the Osborne building stood before the 2009 downtown explosion, but now, a mural painted by elementary students demonstrating everything Bozeman stands in its place.

"I think it's time for our community to look past some of the grimness and focus on some of the positives that have come out of that, and that's how the community has really come together," said Ellie Staley, Program Director for the Downtown Bozeman Partnership.

The partnership, along with a few local artists, decided to brighten up that portion of Main Street with a 58 foot-long, 8-foot-tall colorful mural.

"I thought it was pretty cool that everybody will see my artwork," said Emily Wiseman, a 4th grader at Hawthorne. Students from Hawthorne brainstormed what the Bozeman community meant to them, and then Project Mart, or More Art, designed the concept for the mural, which Hawthorne students brought to life.

"They started with the kindergarteners painting the bottom levels and then moved up to the 6th graders. Everybody got a chance to put their mark on it," said Staley. The mural features Montana wildlife, outdoor recreation activities, and Bozeman landmarks.

Staley said downtown beautification is a mission of the partnership and they think small projects like the mural are really going to impact downtown.

There will be an unveiling celebration for the mural on June 8th at 5:00, before the first Downtown Art Walk.