PAC mural a bright example

The local arts scene became more colorful this past week as the Palmer Arts Council unveiled a new mural designed and painted entire by Mat-Su Valley schoolchildren.

The mural, a 40-foot-long testimony to the beauty of Alaska and the playful spirit of youth, was dedicated Saturday and is a welcome addition to historic downtown Palmer. Culminating a week-long youth arts program sponsored by the PAC, the mural livens up the site of the future home of the PAC Fine Arts Center on East Dahlia Avenue. The ugly facade of an old shipping crate turned storage unit is now a bright, colorful and cheerful reminder of the tremendous work the PAC has done for the local arts community in its short 2.5-year existence.

As seen in the photo below, the mural features scenes of Alaska outdoors and Palmer landmarks as a backdrop to black silhouettes the 10 children painted of themselves. It’s an impressive undertaking for a group of mostly 8- to 10-year olds that has turned an eyesore into eye candy.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing,” said Mimi Pippel, Palmer Arts Council president and CEO. “The excitement and the creative ability that came out and the work and energy they put into it is amazing.”

We agree. It’s also another example of the progress the PAC has made in its short existence. Since its formation in December 2005, the PAC has worked to facilitate and promote the arts in the Valley. From helping artists find venues to show their work to providing props and rehearsal space for theater productions, the PAC’s all-volunteer board continues to expand opportunities for the arts.

Providing opportunities for all to explore the arts, including children, is the best way to ensure a healthy, vibrant arts community with a strong future. With close to 300 members, the PAC is creating its own artistic mural, and we all have a place on the canvas.