YWCA Retaining Wall Mural at 304 E. 3rd St
Artists: Samantha Purcell-Blythe (designer and artist), Laura Blair (artist) with help from Chris Ilewski-Huelsmann, Jeanie Cousley, and the children of the YWCA afterschool program
Year dedicated: 2015
“As people travel through the piece, they travel along an unfolding story,” the Sam Purcell-Blythe and Laura Blair said together in a statement. “ First they encounter an eternal bed of flowers that will hold their color no matter what the season. They then will see a young boy reading a book that drifts off into a day dream about the world, the ocean, the stars and planets and finally an eternal oak with children joined in harmony together.” The project was meant to capture the YWCA mission, reflecting empowerment and inclusion. “The unique heritage of the organization and our dynamic youth services make the YWCA a special place — we want the rest of the community to be able to see the YWCA for the treasure it is and to be able to take advantage of our service in an inspiring environment,” said Britta Haggard, YWCA board organizer at the time the mural was painted.
