Project took four months to paint
By Holly Neumann
Artist Jordyn Brennan had completed the mural at Chester Krause Legacy Park, located on the corner of Water Street and Chet Krause Drive in Iola.
“It was very surreal when they were putting it up,” said Brennan, who spent four months working on the project. “It felt like I was in a dream because I have been working on it for so long. It turned out even better than I could imagine.”
Although she has never met Krause, she learned he was a humble man.
“I think he would be very proud of the process of getting here from the committee to meeting with the high school students to my family involvement and working with Jerry Kopecky to get this space together,” she said. “It took a village to bring this to life and that was the most exciting part for me.”
Brennan hopes onlookers feel a sense of community when viewing the mural.
“Iola has had such an incredible past and present,” she said. “I hope they can now see some ideas of what the future holds for the community.”
The mural was only the first phase of the Chet Krause Legacy Park. Anyone wishing to contribute to future projects at the park can send checks to Chet Krause Legacy Park Fund, Village of Iola, PO Box 336, Iola WI 54945-0336.
The park is expected to be dedicated in December 2023 in honor of Krause’s 100th birthday.