Thanks

I want to take a moment, here at the end of the project and say thanks. This has truly been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Never have I seen so much cooperation, eagerness, and appreciation of a public art project from any community--not to mention a city office and council--as I have seen here in Conway.

On behalf of artists, students, teachers and art administrators everywhere, I wish to express my deepest gratitude and accolades for your candor and progressive attitude for the arts in Conway. This attitude is readily apparent in the new growth that I have seen in Conway since my 10-year absence, and I believe that it is this attitude that will continue to make this city prosper.

Again, thank you to

The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication:

Dean Rollin Potter

Associate Dean Dr. Gayle Seymour

Mike Castens

Carol Griffith

Donna Stephens

Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Tab Townsell

Felicia Rogers

Jamie Gates

Conway City Council:

Andy Hawkins
David Grimes
Mark Vaught
Shelley Mehl
Jack Bell
Mary Smith
Theodore Jones, Jr.
Shelia Whitmore

Conway City Planning: Bryan Patrick

Conway Public Art Committee:

Becky Harris

Caroline Hansen

Barbara Satterfield

Bryan Patrick

Dr. Gayle Seymour

City of Conway Physical Plant: Tony Heffington and the gang

Conway Tree Board: Wes Craiglow, Chairman

The Conway Downtown Partnership:

Amy Reed

TJ Johnston

Mike's Place

American Management Corporation: David Grimes

The UCA Art Department:

Dr. Jeff Young, Dept. Chair

Stephanie Crain

Jennifer Rospert, Assistant Professor of Art

Carrie Dyer, Assistant Professor of Art

Sue Tebo, Slide Archivist

Dr. Deb Kuster, Assistant Professor of Art Education

Pat Larsen and Professor emeritus Gene Hatfield (who both gave me my start in public art)

UCA Students:

Ed Kowalsky
Tony Leopard
Melissa Marple
Lauren Crymes
Lauren Smith
Sarah Waller
Raelyn Lawson
Beth Hull
Melissa Kordsmeier
Kelly Helfrich
Aimee Laflamme
Chris O'Quin
Jack Reed
Reed Simpson
Lena Murfin
Anne Sebourn
Ashley Grimes

Especially,

Scott Meador, Professor, Mass Commincations and Theatre (who not only video-documented the project, but spent many long hours painting on the mural)

Kerry Tindal, UCA Art Education student who stayed through thick and thin, not getting class credit but wishing to learn this process so that she can replicate it in her work with public schools

Sigma Sigma Sigma: Kyna Hockenberry

President Lou Hardin and Mary Hardin

Russ Hancock, Director of Publications

Dr. Amy Amy, Assistant Professor of Public Relations

Jack Gillean, UCA General Counsel
Tom Courtway, UCA General Counsel

Mike Kemp, University Photographer

Heather Kendrick, UCA Channel 6
Wayne Bailey, UCA Channel 6
David Keith, UCA Chanel 6

Conway Boys and Girls Club:

Mike Neuhoefel and Alley Burke (the teacher-girl in the mural)

Conway Public Schools:

Carl Stuart Midle School/Becky Thornton

Ellen Smith Elementary/Renee Thrash

Julia Lee Moore Elementary/Will Fisher

Ruth Doyle Intermediate/Jessica Peterson

Simon Intermediate/Chris Massingill

Jim Stone Elementary/Mrs. Hammons

Conway West High School/Susanne Kunkel and Carla Owen

Marguerite Vann Elementary/Lori Cullum

Sallie Cone Elementary/Christina Rhye

St. Joseph/Patricia McCauley and Penny Basham

Theodore Jones Elementary/Sally Allinder

Faulkner County Library: Sarah Mattingly

Darragh Construction:

Larry Peale
Logan Moss

Log Cabin Democrat
Carey Tai
Joe Lamb
Akira Horiike

The Echo
Michael Ward
Brittney Newborn
Robert Haynes

The Vino
Kendra Kersh

UCA Magazine
Sonja Keith

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Tammy Keith
Debra Hale-Shelton
Kane Webb

The Conway Community:

Linda Paxton (niece of Florence Mattison)
Bill and Virginia Nutter
Bill Bethea
Gene Hatfield
Bob and Armilda McCormick
Toni Johnson


Thanks to you all for your help, support, and faith in this project.

Until next time-

Cheers!

Morton Brown

Artist Journal 10-06-07

Celebration day! Saturday, October 6th--the day we all have been waiting for. The first annual Conway ArtsFest was a huge success. With over 300 persons--young and old---in attendance, the celebration of the mural, and the arts in Conway was a 5 hour showcase of Conway treasures.

The day began with displays of public art created by local Conway Public School children. Over 9 local schools had been working with the UCA Art Education Department for the past 6 weeks, to include the mural, public art in general and Conway history in their curriculums. Dr. Deb Kuster worked very closely with Dr. Seymour and I to come up with project ideas and to devise a means to display the artwork on October 6th.

The results of this work were amazing! Some schools did a unit on superheroes--taking a cue from the flying kid in the mural. Some decided that the flying kid night be lonely in the mural, so they created papier mache "pets" for her. Others colaborated on painting small murals on single bricks--priming, painting, then installing them in a decorative fashion onsite--mimicking the mural process, but also symbolizing the "building blocks" of the community. This activity was the most striking of all to me, as it reached so many young people and taught them so much about art, history, and giving back to the community. Good job!

At 12noon, the UCA Pinnacle Brass started the event with a concert in Simon Park, the site of the mural. At 12:30pm, it was time to dedicate the mural. Mayor Tab Townsell spoke first, expressing his deep appreciation for the work and care that went into this mural and stated that this mural would be cherished as a source of pride for the city for years to come. I felt his sincerity, especially since he had his mother make a quilt-cape (and found some pink glasses) for his two year old daughter Riley, who made a grand entrance as the flying kid from the mural.

I was up next. I thanked everyone involved, and gave a brief description of the figures and objects that constituted the mural image. I went on to announce that we had finally given the mural a title: Aurora Rising. Dr. Gayle Seymour actually gave me this title, after she and I struggled over ideas for several weeks.

The title relates to the Roman goddes of the dawn--Aurora--who leads us into the new day, and also reflects the idea of the "borealis" effect of the sky's filigree. The "rising" part of the title is also very important, as it denotes the idea of Conway being a progressive city, still striving to better itself---rising toward tomorrow.

Dean Rollin Potter of the UCA College of Fine Arts and Comminication and Hendrix Provost Robert Entzminger rounded out the ceremony with wonderful accolades of the project, but also spoke about how this (first ever) partnership between our schools and the city of Conway would not end here, but continue into future endeavors.

The event quickly launched into a dance performance by the Hendrix dance troupe that enacted Anansi Does the Impossible, a famous African folktale put to interpretive movement and dramatic speech. Next up was the Arkansas Shakespeare Company that did a rather comical, three-man rendition of Romeo and Juliet. It was silly, but really well done and had the entire crowd enthralled and laughing histerically.

As soon as the performances had subsided, the moderator, Matt Chiorini, directed the group to Mike's Place across the street where a series of short films were on display, created by students of the UCA Mass Communications and Theatre Department. Scott Meador, who had documented the mural project, had a short film on the mural but also displayed many student-made short films for our enjoyment.

The day culminated in a concert back at Hendrix, with shuttle buses taking attendees to and from that event.

This was an amazing event, that was inspirational in its sheer coordination of so many different organizations and community members all coming together to show their support and appreciation. I believe that this is proof that this city loves art, loves its artists, and is hungry and ready to produce more public art.

Artist Journal 10-05-07

The mural is finished. My students and I have been working around the clock, touching up and finally applying the clear acrylic clear coat--the day before the scaffolding crew arrived.

On Friday, October 5th, the men from Darragh Construction arrived at 7am to dismantle the scaffolding. They were amazed that the mural was finished within 6 weeks of their first visit, and of its quality.

After taking about 6 hours to install, the scaffolding came down in under 2 hours...leaving the mural looking very good, but rather naked after seeing it for so long through the bars and stairwell...

-Morton

Artist Journal 10-01-07

The final week-the scaffolding crew will be here on Friday to dismantle, so my students and I are feverishly working to make final adjustments, touch up drips, and to get two coats of clear varnish over the entire mural by Thursday morning.

The mural dedication ceremony is this Saturday. Dubbed "Conway ArtsFest", this day-long celebration will not only officially hand over the mural to the community, but also showcase the artwork done by local public school children done in response to the mural, a dance troupe from Hendrix, a performance by the Arkansas Shakespeare Company, The UCA Pinnacle Brass Band, and film shorts provided by the UCA Mass Communications and Theatre Department.

We also installed our large banner to the right of the mural, in preparation for the day-

It is going to be down to the wire...

-Morton

Artist Journal 9-25-07

More night work this time, and more help from other UCA students and faculty. UCA professor Scott Meador, of the Mass Communications and Theatre Department, and UCA student Melissa Kordsmeier started spending nights and weekends at the site, greatly aiding us in our work.

My daughter, Lily, also came down for a picnic one Sunday and helped by painting the pants of the Train Dispatcher.

-Morton

Artist Journal 9-20-07

The mural painting has been progressing nicely, but the deadline of October 6th is looming. The weather has not been cooperating, either. At this point, the rain has caught us abou four or fivr times, dragging our freshly painted figures all the way down the wall.

Not to be undone, however, my students and I have began working during the night so that we can regain some of the lost time and effort.

We will make it, one way or another

-Morton

Artist Journal by Raelyn Lawson, UCA student

I originally signed up to work on the mural because I wanted to learn the process. Now that this project is nearing its completion, I can say that this experience has largely been a positive one, but I can also say that I don’t see myself becoming a muralist professionally –at least not an outdoor one. While I love painting large, painting outdoors has its extra challenges. In the beginning of the semester, the heat made work hours considerably uncomfortable. At times, the sun’s brightness could be overwhelming and made it difficult to see, and of course, there was always the threat of rain, which would prevent us from working and cause wet paint to run down the wall. An outdoor muralist also has the challenge of ensuring that the mural is of high enough quality that it will not be damaged by weather in the years to come. Overall, I enjoyed working on the mural. I love the idea of public art and the idea of knowing that I participated in something that will last as long as city hall. I like doing collaborative projects with other artists. However, despite all the positives, I have to say that if I ever paint another mural, I can say for certain that it won’t contain lots of small, extraordinarily detailed buildings.

Raelyn Lawson, UCA student

Artist Journal 9-10-07

We have been making good progress on the mural, but the October 6th deadline is looming. The weather has not been cooperating, either. Twice now, the rain has caught us and the paint has washed down the wall.

Not to be undone, however, we are bringing lights to the site and will continue to work into the night.

We have also been visited by several classes from St. Joseph, and are expecting Sallie Cone tomorrow. The younger students have been doing a great job, and they seem to understand this process (even the WHY behind it) even better than some of us "older" folk.

And lastly, I brought the flying kid model--my daughter, Lily--by the site to compare her portrait...she approved of it (by the way, she has had a haircut since the original pose...)

We will keep plugging away--see you soon~

-Morton

9-10-07

Artist Journal by Lauren Smith, UCA Student

8/28/08

When I first learned of Morton Brown coming to UCA to work on a mural in Conway I was exicited and intrigued. I love the idea of all of us working together to create something meaningful and beautiful for our growing city.

I went to a few talks and thought it was brilliant to 'spice' up Conway's main area. I was unaware; however, that I and the rest of my classmates would be joining Mr. Brown in constructing this mural. Honestly, I was a little intimidated. Large scale anything frightens me, and I have a strong fear of heights. Putting heights aside, I really was just nervous about being a part of something, that I had come to realize, was a really big deal for Conway and the community. I had no prior knowledge of how to create a mural or the process. I just knew you had to be a dedicated person...especially now that it is so hot outside. (and believe me, I wanted to give up on the first day when we primed in 103 degree heat. I didn't!)

I have learned a lot from this experience so far. Not only about the processes, which are extensive, but also the historical background of Conway. For me, this mural means more than just a mural for Conway. It is a test. A test to see if I can do it..to dedicated myself, to push myself, to not be afraid of painting something important to everyone, or even falling off a scaffold. :)

Lauren Smith
Senior

Artist Journal 8-28-07 by Lauren Crymes, UCA student

Artist Journal
8-28-07
by
Lauren Crymes, UCA student

8/17/07 This was the first day that I worked on the mural. At this point the wall had already been primed and the grid had been put on as well. We began to draw figures and other features of the mural in pencil, while Morton worked directly in paint on the largest figure.

8/21/07 Today most of what was drawn in pencil had to be moved as they were off one block. This was fixed and painting on the three figures in the background. I found that keeping things in perspective was difficult because of the scale of the mural. While working on one section it can be hard to keep the whole in mind simply because you cannot see it all unless you get off the scaffolding. I also found that the acrylic paint dried fast, especially in the heat of the day. This is good for covering any painting mistakes as you paint over them. Today was also cooler, so I noticed how much working in the heat actually takes out of you.

8/23/07 This was an actual class day. Instead of painting we went into the conference room to learn more about the process of the mural. The class looked at other murals, learned how the community must be taken into account and heard, while we also saw other ways murals can be done, such as on parachute fabric glued to the actual brick. We also discussed movable murals, the times at which we could meet to work on the mural, and what we would actually start doing first.

Artist Journal 8-22-07 by UCA student Kerry Tindall

Design with grid

First sketch on wall

First sketch on wall

Mural site primed

UCA student Kerry Tindall at work

Scaffolding being erected

Filigree in sky is being drawn

Filigree in sky is being drawn

Filigree in sky is being drawn

First sketch of large arm on wall

Flying kid is roughed in as Kerry

works

Student Artist Journal
Kerri Tindall

8/13/07 Monday Scaffolding is being constructed.

8/14/07 Tuesday Meeting with teachers at Mike’s Place then met at city hall to brainstorm ideas for the dedication on the 6th of October. Several ideas, from trashcan decorating to sidewalk chalk, were discussed. Morton showed a power point presentation of the recent projects he has been working on. This seemed like a time to get to know the local art teachers and the opportunities for the children in the local area through field trips to the mural site.

8/15/07 Wednesday This was the first day of actual preparation of the brick surface that will be the canvas for the new community mural. We used a white primer to cover the entire surface of the brick sealing the surface for the acrylic paint that is being used to create the mural. The priming was not time consuming or difficult-Paint, brush, cover-very simple. We were able to get a majority of the wall completed today.

8/16/07 Thursday Returned to find the remainder of the wall completed. We did go back over any areas that needed a second coat of primer to protect the life of the mural. Once this was completed, we used a chalk line, level and tape measure to create a twelve inch by twelve-inch grid over the entire wall. We started with the horizontal lines and then the vertical lines.

8/17/07 Friday Figures were placed on the grid in the appropriate places with pencil. Morton started on the largest girl in the foreground with paint. I started laying in the horizon line in the middle ground and two other students came and positioned other figures in the areas that they needed to be.

8/20/07 Monday OH HAPPY DAY! As a young artist, you do not really want to make those “big” mistakes, yet we do. We make mistakes, learn from our mistakes, and continue. When using grids make sure that all concerned are counting from the same beginning block. I was one block off throwing everything to the right twelve inches. After taking the majority of this day correcting my error I continued with the contour drawing on the grid. This part seems to be time consuming and a process that is very tedious. I realize the importance of accuracy. Without accuracy, the composition will not be rendered, as the mural should.

8/21/07 Tuesday We are continuing to place figures on the grid. We have the three historical figures, the teacher, and four sesame street characters drawn in. We are working to complete the contour drawings of the dispatcher and conductor. Morton has the largest figure partially painted in and is working on the filigree parts of the composition. This is truly a team effort to complete what we have in less than one week.



Student Artist Journal
Kerri Tindall


A student’s perspective:

I was at the first brainstorming meeting back in February of this year and a couple of meetings since. I realize how much information is taken into consideration to bring this mural to a final composition ready to paint. With no experience in working on a large-scale paintings, drawings or sketches this mural was very over whelming. One observation I made in the initial process is that the wall is so large. When you look at the pictures on the web page or the print outs it does not compare to the large scale that the composition takes on. Morton expressed that we have to imagine in our mind on a larger scale. Even in the grid process, standing directly on the scaffolding takes things out of perspective. You can get lost easily if you do not keep an eye on the grid lines. Another observation was when the line drawings of the figures started to take place. The more figures drawn, the more you can relate to the composition as the mural that it is intended to be. Another factor that is taken into consideration is the weather. The heat has been almost intolerable last week. This week has been cooler and makes the work much more enjoyable. Over all, the hard work, the mistakes and corrections, and the learning process have been worth all the heat that we have endured so far. I am pleased at the progress that we have made and am looking forward to seeing where we are at this time next week.