A group of artists from Dark Horse Artworks are looking to preserve Alton’s past, present and future.
Located inside the Alton Square Mall, directly across from Things Remembered and Olga’s, everyone will notice the start of something monumental, a mural of Alton’s past, present, and future.
The mural starts with pre-incorporated Alton (through 1818), and includes paintings of Lewis and Clark on their exhibition and the Piasa Bird. This section of the mural is hoped to be finished around May 7.
“Art can’t be rushed,” said Eric Stauffer, main idealist of the mural and Lewis and Clark Community College alumnus.
The second section of the mural will consist of the Alton industrial revolution. The paintings will include images of the railroad, bridge connecting to Missouri, and the original city hall. This fragment of the piece spans 1818-1900.
“As this mural stands, it will be a proud representation of the past, present, and future of Alton and the people who live here,” said Petroleum Engineering major Dakota Parish.
The third and final stage is of contemporary Alton, from 1900 to present time. It will include paintings of Miles Davis and Robert Wadlow. It also will contain a surprise that will allow everyone to be a part of the mural and Alton’s history.
Below the mural will rest a timeline that will explain the important dates in history of Alton and the people init.
“So many factors play into the creation of this mural.” Stauffer said. “Lewis and Clark Community College was very helpful to what I have done and will continue to do.”
The artists are currently searching for people interested in helping paint the final two sections of the mural.
For more information, check out darkhorseartworks.com.
kierstenconnolly1@ gmail.com
