Huron-Kinloss Mural to be completed by Ripley Reunion

Proponents of a Huron-Kinloss Mural in downtown Ripley, are hoping to have the project completed by the Ripley Reunion at the end of July.

There are many stunning historic buildings in the village. Some look better than others, and no one knows this better than local developer David Brown who owns many of them.

In an effort to beautify the buildings that have been restored and provide temporary cover for those in progress, Brown is sponsoring the creation of an historic mural. His financial support has been matched by a grant that Huron-Kinloss Township received, and organizers are now looking for local historic inspiration.

Cobalt Connects, the company that developed the township's cultural plan, has collected some incredible stories during its consultations in the township, and wants those stories to come to life in this mural.
 

"While the mural is in downtown Ripley, the idea long-term is that if everyone likes the outcome, we can keep doing this all across the township with your support," states a press release from Cobalt Connects. "We'd love to start teaching local artists to design the works, applying for funding, and engaging local schools in the process."

The mural will be focused on the people who built this community. So, the company seeks photos of people working – farming, laying the rails, cooking, house-building, etc. Ideally, these photos would be full body pictures of decent quality – but Cobalt is open to working with whatever you have. If possible, tell some details about who is in the picture and your connection to them – why is their story part of your history.

The company can accept images in any quality but the better the image, the more likely it can be used.. Images can be sent as jpg, tiff or eps format. Send your images to: ripleymural@cobaltconnects.ca
 

The goal is to have the mural installed before the Ripley Reunion. So, over the next two months, Cobalt Connects will be taking your images and creating the designs. In June the plan is to have a big installation party where you'll get to help paint some finishing touches on the mural.  

"We want families and kids, school classes, seniors and folks from the Legion, local artists and 4-H members - EVERYONE - to come out to the event and help us proudly put your history out front for all to see."