Community mural project in Clintonville
By John Faucher
A large block wall located behind the Clintonville Community Center on 30th S. Main Street is drawing some attention in the city’s downtown.
Students from Peggy Johnson’s advanced art and design classes at Clintonville High School have been working to complete a community mural project at the site.
Although painting at the wall began May 5, the process of creating and collaborating for the project began before the start of the school year.
Last summer, Johnson received a phone call from acting City Administrator Intern Taylor Zeinert.
Zeinert, a former student of Johnson’s, asked about the possibility of creating a community mural.
From there, the two began an early planning process between the school district, the city and several artist friends and alumni.
During the first week of school, Johnson assigned the mural project to her advanced art and design students.
Students looked at murals from around Wisconsin and the United States and discussed possible themes.
After a few weeks of brainstorming, students created their own designs and submitted artwork for review by the mayor and city administrator.
In the meantime, Johnson recruited fellow artist Sara Mullen-Hornung of Clintonville to assist her as the “main art community liaison.”
Sara’s husband Jay Hornung also agreed to help.
Selecting a design
By early March, city council and the building’s owner reviewed designs and helped select eight finalists.
The designs went back to the school for final selection.
First place went to senior artist Ismael Acevedo. Second through eighth place designs were as follows; Josie Behnke, Morgan Federwitz, Kate Malesa, Willow Skar, another of Kate Malesa’s ideas, Neely Goerlinger, and another of Willow Skar’s.
All eight of the finalist’s designs were submitted by seniors.
Johnson said the city of Clintonville took care of preparing the mural site for painting.
“Park and Recreation Coordinator Justin Mc Auly and his crew have been a huge help,” said Johnson.
City crews sandblasted and primed the wall, then painted the black border. They also set up and adjusted the scaffolding works throughout the length of the project.
Johnson said the city also donated the paint for the project and the city clerk allowed the use of a cargo trailer to keep supplies in on-site.
Once the students began site work Johnson said numerous community members dropped by to offer encouragement and support. Some provided water, others brought food and many honked their horns and shouted compliments from their windows.
“There are just a lot of people from a lot of different areas of expertise that have helped, which we really needed with a project this size,” said Johnson.
“I loved watching my students work through this big project,” she said.
Johnson has taught art students for 33 years and will retire at the end of this school year.
“I’ve always pushed my Clintonville High School Artists ‘Giving Back’ as a way to create a conduit for my students to help out the school and greater community with their artistic talents,” said Johnson.
“These kids have all this talent and ability so why not share this with the community.
The kids love it too,” said Johnson.
A handful of CHS art alumni are also returning to help complete the highest portions of the mural.
Johnson said several Clintonville elementary and middle school art teachers and students from both the public and parochial schools helped paint on a lower section of the wall.
“We just thought it was a wonderful way to tie in some younger kids who love art, and they really enjoyed working with the older kids too,” Johnson said.
Student reflections
Some of Johnson’s students shared their thoughts on the mural project.
Senior Kate Malesa said working on the mural this year was one of her favorite high school memories.
“I’m thankful to be part of something colorful, good and lasting in Clintonville,” said Malesa.
Senior Willow Skar agreed.
“I was happy I could do something for the community that will last forever. It’s even more special to share my last year with Mrs. Johnson as she’s been my inspiration for years,” said Skar.
Senior Haley Fields said she thought the mural was a great idea and she’s glad she got to know Mrs. Johnson.
“It’s been an honor being her student,” said Fields.
Lisa Giuliano, a senior foreign exchange student from Italy said she was thankful for the opportunity to live in Clintonville for the past nine months.
“I learned about the city, traditions and people. So for me painting this mural was an honor. Working with amazing people, especially Mrs. Johnson made me grow as a person and an artist. I’m so happy and grateful,” said Giuliano.
Senior Amber Peeters said she appreciated the opportunity to work on the mural during her last year in high school.
“I think this mural was a great chance to learn teamwork and leadership. It was so cool to see the community come together to work on this amazing piece,” said Peeters.
Juniors Jackie Luciano and Elian Tamayo both said the mural project left lasting memories for them this year as well.
Luciano recalls the hard work was sometimes “stressful,” but she also said, “The long wait is going to be worth it.”
Tamayo said, “I hope we get the chance to create more murals around Clintonville. This experience is something I will never forget.”