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