By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green is looking for 600 artists to create one masterpiece.
A call was put out at the Bowling Green City Council meeting Monday evening for artists of any age group and of any ability level to contribute to an America 250 Liberty Tree Mural Mosaic.
More important than artistic talent is a desire for “community, creativity and connection,” Mayor Mike Aspacher said.
Each artist will be invited to paint one tile that will be combined with 599 others to create an 8-foot by 12-foot mosaic to be displayed on the wall at the entrance to the Bowling Green City Building at 305 N. Main St.
The project is a partnership between the Bowling Green Community Foundation and the City of Bowling Green. Over the next few months, individuals, families and local organizations will be asked to paint their own tiles, which will be incorporated into a large-scale mural mosaic.
This collaborative artwork aims to reflect the spirit, diversity, and identity of the Bowling Green community in a vibrant mural mosaic. The “Liberty Tree” design will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary celebration and the City of Bowling Green’s 45th anniversary as a Tree City USA.
The mural mosaic project is made possible through the BG Community Foundation and a matching grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.
Now it’s up to local “artists” to grab a paint brush.
“Your tile will become part of Bowling Green’s story,” David Maurer, of the BG Community Foundation, said.
An example of the tree mosaic mural, displayed by foundation member Lindsay-Jo Douglas, showed another community’s efforts using the same model that Bowling Green will use.
“Public art has the power to bring people together and tell a shared story,” Maurer said. “This project allows residents to leave a lasting mark on a meaningful space while celebrating the creativity that makes Bowling Green special.”
Maurer noted that the “Hometown Heroes” banner project around the city honoring local veterans was also a program undertaken by the BG Community Foundation.
“This mural will be a great addition to the City Building,” Aspacher said. “It reflects the pride we have in our community and our country, and it will be one of the first things people see when they walk through our doors.”
“What makes it especially meaningful is that it was made possible through the support and involvement of people throughout our community,” the mayor said. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible, and I know it will be something residents and visitors enjoy for years to come.”
Tile-painting sessions will be held at designated community events, with all materials provided. No artistic experience is necessary, Aspacher stressed.
Area residents are invited to paint a tile at the following events:
- Friday, June 26, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Lunch in the Park in City Park.
- Friday, June 26, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Firefly Nights, Downtown Bowling Green.
- Friday, July 3, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the BG Boom Festival and Fireworks, Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road.
- Sept. 11-13 at the Black Swamp Arts Festival in the downtown.
Additional dates and events will be announced, possibly at the Wood County District Public Library and local service organizations, Maurer said.
For more information about how to participate, residents are encouraged to call the Bowling Green Community Foundation at 419-352-0281, email bgcf@bgohcf.org, or follow the foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/bgcommunityfoundation for the latest updates.
