a mural that is funded and created by the community
After more than 7 years of offering Hands On Murals to schools, nonprofits, and a variety of community facing organizations, the number one hurtle has been finding the funding. Last month I worked with Science Works Museum in Ashland, Oregon to add an interactive fundraising component to their annual Books & Brews event. Science Works wanted a mural for the exterior of their building, but because they are a nonprofit oppressing on small margins, we brainstormed a way to crowd fund my artists fee one paint balloon at a time, as well as raise additional funds for their future community programming. We worked together to agree on a donation amount that would be approachable, and they also reached out to their large network of local businesses, many donated a box of paint balloons before the event in order to offer free redo paint balloons, and a free option to community members who could not afford the $10 donation and join in the fun.
How we leaned into the community
All of the paint was donated by the museum staff and their friends bringing in unused exterior house paint that they had left over from past projects. I love recycling paint that would usually sit in a garage for years, or a landfill for decades. I mixed a custom color pallet out of the donated paint, and we were all happy with the outcome.
Secondly we reached out to our communities to offer a tax deductible donation option ahead of time to use at the event, donate to the community, or save for a big friend group or family. We were able to raise almost half of my artist fee before the event even started!
Event day came around, and what an amazing day it was! Packed full of community engagement from 11am-4pm. Multi generational families, big groups of friends, a dance troop, and people of all ages came out to donate their time, creative skills, and dollars to help me cover a 100 foot long wall with paint. I was blown away by the turnout, and it was such a special day that was all about community and creativity. Definitely memorable for all.
what Science works has to say
“Ursula was a joy to work with and helped our small museum every step of the way. From planning to funding, she was responsive and creative and the whole team loved her approach. Our mural was a huge success and the whole community turned out to participate. Weeks on we are still hearing buzz about it from people on the street, at the store, and online. She really went the extra mile to make it accessible and fun for all ages and abilities, and we are delighted with the finished product. Can't wait for our next mural project with her!”
- Liz Koonce, Exhibits and Facilities Coordinator
"It was heartwarming to watch the littles throw paint balloons with such gusto. And, I have to admit, my own experience of smashing a paint balloon at the wall was greatly satisfying. After the frivolity was over, I watched Ursula's process as she began her painstaking work over the rainbow of colors. Days later, the finished mural brightens up our neighborhood, bringing a smile to the face of anyone who walks or drives past."
- Janis Hunt Johnson, participating author at Books & Brews
