September 26, 2017
Small Town Studio announces mural visioning event for Eureka
K-State's College of Architecture, Planning & Design's Small Town Studio will host Create a Spark — a mural visioning event in collaboration with the town of Eureka. All are invited to attend the event and bring their own ideas. The event will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at M Gallery, 105 W. Third St., Eureka.
The proposed mural project aims to build on Eureka's unique collective identity. The mural will be in the city's historic downtown. Its goal is to generate interaction between Eurekans, residents of the Flint Hills and people passing through. The Create a Spark event is the first step in the development of the project.
"We're eager to have this opportunity to connect with Eurekans and we're excited to create a mural for them. It will be a great investment in the community," said Celia White, graduate student in architecture.
The Small Town Studio is made up of 13 APDesign architecture graduate students from Kansas State University, mentored by Todd Gabbard, associate professor of architecture. The studio focuses on bringing innovative design strategies to small towns and rural communities in Kansas.
"Murals have many benefits for the towns and neighborhoods they reside in," Gabbard said. "In addition to beautifying an area, murals and other types of public art can attract curiosity and create wide social media interest."
Examples of successful murals will be displayed alongside art by Small Town Studio and Eureka High School students, with activities and music. This is an exhibit-style event so visitors can come and go as they please. Refreshments will be provided.