Representatives from the city of Erlanger and Dixie Heights High School requested support from Elsmere City Council for a community mural project at their March 12 meeting.
Dixie Heights art teacher Cierra Bevins first proposed the idea for the mural to the Kentucky Transportation Department last December. The mural is to be painted by Dixie Heights students on a blank concrete wall at the intersection of Turkeyfoot Road and Brightleaf Boulevard. The wall lies within the city of Elsmere’s boundaries and under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s jurisdiction.
Dixie Heights student Gray Vaillancourt made an impassioned case for the project, stating that participation could enhance students’ self-esteem, attentiveness in class, assertiveness and political engagement.
“On my way here today, I took a left down Brightleaf [Boulevard], I stopped at that light, and I stared at that blank wall of concrete,” Vaillancourt said. “Personally, I can say that most teenagers lack confidence, especially [when] leaving high school. I think being able to participate in something that will impact not only our community but three jurisdictions would be fantastic for our students who are leaving high school and going into the community, who are going to shape this community in the future.”
Vaillancourt added that students would be more likely to vote in elections if they feel they are being heard and that administrators are considering their perspectives.
The initial mural design by Bevins involves diverse groups of children blowing bubbles in bright, joyful colors.
“I just want it to be a feel-good piece of work where every type of kid would be represented,” Bevins said.
As the mural is meant to reflect Elsmere, Erlanger and the state of Kentucky as a whole, Elsmere council members asked for the inclusion of a train in the design. The train iconography features prominently in the emblems of both cities, which have historical ties to the railroad. Lenhof raised the possibility of illustrating a horse-drawn carriage, drawing inspiration from a police badge. The Erlanger delegates were receptive to the ideas.
“I think the train is something that unifies us,” Fette said.
In response to concerns about maintaining the mural, which was discussed by Elsmere City Council at their Dec. 5 caucus meeting, Fette explained that Erlanger is willing to shoulder the costs. Dixie Heights students will take charge of measuring and preparing the wall, determining the overall budget and fundraising for the project.
Given favorable weather, the mural can be completed within a month. According to Lenhof, Elsmere will potentially establish a three-member committee to exchange ideas and feedback with Erlanger continually.