By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
Have you ever wondered what might be hidden in plain sight.
Buildings and structures that people see every day but don’t know the true meaning of. Creating a new project, local artist Stacey Kirby will soon be creating an eight-sided mural on the Erie Canal in hopes to educate and interest people to come and see what Holley has to offer.
“Tourism doesn’t go to the canal in Holley,” Kirby said. “We’re excited about doing a community project. The mural illustrates a variety of aspects of Holley.”
One of the reasons the project was created was because people come from all over the country and world to enjoy what the Erie Canal has to offer. Many though, never see what Holley has to offer because they don’t know it’s there. Treasures of Holley will focus on the community and history and those organizing it hope the shop will encourage people to step off the path and see what Holley has to offer.
“It’s a free activity,” she said. “It’s a way to get outside while learning about local history and the community.”
The eight panels include “Today on the Erie Canal”; “The Beginning of Holley”; “Flora and Fauna”; “The Old Canal Flag Day in Town Square”; “People of Holley”; “Sandstone and Local Architecture”; and “Murray and Clarendon.”
From the mural, Kirby said that people will also get their very own treasure map to take with them to find all the locations shown.
Though just in its beginning stages, sponsorship opportunities are available in any amount. Anyone who sponsors will be acknowledged on a permanent plaque near the mural. Half of the cost of the mural was funded through a grant by GoArt, but labor and materials is still needed. Anyone who can help with supplies, labor or materials should contact John Pedley at pedlj@pikeco.com.
Kirby said that the Holley Rotary has played an important part in this project. Those working on the project are also trying to get more community organizations involved. Kirby also wants people to help her paint and will offer demonstrations during the creation of the mural.
“Murals have a lot of different possibilities,” Kirby said about why she likes painting them. “They have lots of options.”
Hopefully completing it by the end of the summer, Kirby said that in October a grand unveiling festival will be held with real buried treasure and historic reenactors.
For more information about the project or for a schedule of painting workshops contact Kirby at info@staceykirby.com.
