September 8, 2022 – Hartford, WI – The first Art in Hart mural in Hartford, Wi is nearly finished. Artist John Kowalczyk of Milwaukee has taken Slinger artist Abbey Gagne under his wing as the pair work to bring the southwest corner of Highway 60 and 83 to life.
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“I saw a call for mural artist to brighten up Hartford,” said Kowalczyk. “I was drawn to the Orioles and the irises that were in the list of requested themes. I did a little sketch, submitted it and was chosen to paint the mural for the city.”
“The hopes are that it spurs more murals around the city of Hartford,” said Kowalczyk.
“The design features different Orioles, inspired by the high school’s mascot or football team and then the irises which are the city’s flowers,” Kowalczyk said. “There are large playful irises that Orioles are flying through; everything is really brightly colored, and it’s just meant to be joyful and make people happy.”
Abbey Gagne of Slinger applied to be a part of the Milwaukee Area Resource Network mentorship program. “I got accepted and was paired with John so he’s my mentor,” she said. “I’ve done a few murals with other people before and some small ones on my own so I’m just getting some experience and learning and really loving it.”
Kowalczyk and Gagne started painting last Saturday. The mural will be done this week with a ribbon cutting Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 9 a.m.
“It’s really encouraging with everyone driving by and yelling out their windows and bringing their grandkids by to see it; t’s just been really encouraging and positive,” said Kowalczyk.
