By Rikki Cason
The Journal-Register
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After a year of research, preparation and painting, local artist Stacey Kirby has completed the eight murals for the Treasures of Holley project. At 11 a.m. June 5, the official unveiling will occur at Holley’s Canal Park, where an eight-sided kiosk will be revealed to the public and the treasure map walking tour will launch.
“We’re calling it a treasure hunt walking tour to get people thinking of more an adventure-type thing,” Kirby said. “Hopefully, people get excited about it. I think it’s really a great activity. It’s free. It gets people outdoors and active. It shares a lot of history about the area that most people don’t know.”
Each mural focuses on a different element that makes Holley what it is today. A treasure map will also be available next to the kiosk to explain what the murals represent and where the landmarks can be found in the community.
“They can tour the town and see all the landmarks that are featured in the mural, and learn a little history as they walk around,” she said. “Holley in particular, people aren’t aware of how interesting that town is and the history behind it, and some of the landmarks that are there. This will take it one step forward and get people interacting with the town.”
The mural will be unveiled during Junefest. To commemorate the first day of the walking tour, historical re-enactors will be placed throughout Holley at different sites along the walking tour.
Marti’s on Main, 229 N. Main St., Albion, will host a preview from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday. All eight panels will be on display for one night before they are permanently installed at Holley’s Canal Park. The event will include live music, refreshments and limited edition print of the mural will be for sale. All proceeds benefit Treasures of Holley.
The eight murals include:
• Explanation: The first mural gives an explanation of the project and its purpose.
• Local Sandstone: This mural focuses on three churches in Holley, made of sandstone, with particularly interesting architecture. Kirby said that the mural tells the story of quarried stone and quarries in the area and how stones were transported on the Erie Canal.
• Flora and Fauna: This mural focuses on the “hidden” Holley waterfall and some of the plants and animals native to the area.
• People in Holley: This mural focuses on the people throughout the decades who made Holley what it is today, Kirby said. She said she wanted to communicate how important a community is and how great small towns are, because you can accomplish a lot and make a difference.
• Public Square: This mural focuses on American traditions. Kirby said that ever since Holley was built, its residents have used Public Square for ceremonies. The square is still used for its annual Flag Day celebration. The painting shows the day the flag pole was dedicated.
• What Life Was Like: This mural focuses on what life was like in Holley when it was first founded, before the Erie Canal went through. Kirby said it was very agricultural and very primitive.
• Frisbee Road Bridge: This mural shows the Frisbee Road Bridge and the Old Canal Spur, when the canal was divided through Holley.
• Further Points: This mural is a further-points-of-interest map. Kirby said it is for tourists who come on the canal or may not be familiar with the area, so they can see other landmarks and points of interest around Holley. The mural also shows the significance of agriculture in the area.
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
