News - Press Release

Patricia Innis, artist/educator,  worked with Mancelona Middle School students to create to a 6’ x 75’ mural representing the village’s history.  All 323 students had an opportunity to help paint and, through the process, learn about the history of their village.  The project is a partnership between Mancelona Schools and Michigan Legacy Art Pak, where Innis is Director Education.  “The mural is a prefect example of the Park’s goal to integrate quality art, history and education,” remarked Innis.

The projected started last year when students and village residents were asked to name three things that should be included in the mural.  With this information in hand, Innis approached Herb Tipton, Mancelona Historical Museum director for help in filling in the gaps.  Working with the museum’s collection of historical photographs Innis came up with a design for the mural.

On March 24, Innis introduced the mural project to all of the middle schools students and Herb Tipton spoke about Mancelona history.  Volunteers from the village traced images from the old photographs onto the wall.  The actual painting of the mural took place April 7 through 18.

Instrumental in making the project happen were 5th grade teacher Connie Brigham and art teacher Monica Malbouef.  Joanie Moore documented the creation of the mural with photographs.  Her pictures will be exhibited at Discovery Grove at Michigan Legacy Art Park throughout the summer.