Published: August 24, 2007 11:59 pm            

Art students make mural for Kinmundy Sesquicentennial

Even though the summer temperatures have been scorching, South Central High School Art Club students didn’t let the heat hinder them from using their artistic skills as they donate their time painting a mural on a local car wash wall in celebration of Kinmundy’s Sesquicentennial.

The Ritter’s Car Wash wall mural is a compilation of several student’s ideas morphed into a detailed painting honoring the city of Kinmundy’s past.

Marla Shirley, who is in charge of the Kinmundy Historical Society, asked South Central art teacher Hugh Rosen if he and his art students would paint a mural to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary. Rosen jumped at the chance, as did students and several volunteers from the community.

Rosen said Larry Ritter, who owns the car wash, suggested the mural be painted on the north wall of the business, which gave students and various volunteers a large brick canvas.

With shades and tints of black and white, the mural features buildings from the early 1900s, inspired by a photo from Kinmundy’s past. In the middle of the painting, a train looks as though it is barreling out of the wall, while the town’s famous wooden water tower stands next to it.

Rosen said the local artists will add a banner displaying Kinmundy’s first year of existence on one side and this year featured on the other.

After drawing the outline for several weeks, painting soon started in the summer. Even though school was not in session, students still participated with enthusiasm.

Once the pencil drawing was finished, Rosen, who teaches sixth- through 12th-grade art at South Central Middle and High schools, made the drawing a huge paint by number, which allowed more people to participate.

Former Kinmundy Mayor Elwyn Cheatum said he has been watching the progress from the beginning.

“I saw them from the start,” said Cheatum, “Hugh’s doing a really great job with them (the students).”

Rosen said support from the community is overwhelming. There is hardly five minutes that go by without someone passing through to compliment and encourage the artists.

This will be South Central senior Kailee Ranes second year in art club, and she finds joy using her artistic ability to brighten the town.

“It’s really fun,” Ranes said.

Sophomore Sam Mitchell, however, was volunteering his time “to better the city of Kinmundy.”

Rosen said the group still needs to finish some details on the buildings and water tower and paint the sky, but he was confident the masterpiece will be finished by the Kinmundy Sesquicentennial Celebration on Labor Day weekend.

“The mural is prominently featured,” said Rosen about the location in the city, adding the art work belongs to the entire community.

Nicole Eversole can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 128 or nicole.eversole@effinghamdailynews.com.