LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – Work is underway on a developing piece of artwork on the Longview Mall’s property.
“I hope that it brings camaraderie to Longview. I hope that it brings us all together,” said Laren Slaton, owner of Mustard Seed Murals.
Artists are actively painting a mural on a retaining wall.
Slaton said about three years ago, she would ride her moped up and down the street next to the wall. She had a dream to paint it in its entirety.
Slaton measured the wall to be over 1,300 feet long. The square footage is tough to calculate, as the wall ranges from 10 to 20 feet in height at different areas.
For the East Texas area, Slaton said the next largest mural is the Genesis in Beaumont at 10,000 square feet.
“I think that’s really good bragging rights for Longview, Texas,” said Slaton.
The mall initially allowed Slaton to paint on the wall for free.
Slaton then came up with the idea to help Longview businesses by offering sponsorships.
“Just kind of like advertising for them, but it also shows that they care about their community and the art that’s in it,” said Slaton.
Painters try to work before the sun rises over the wall. Recently, they’ve been painting from 5 to 9 in the morning.
The painters use a ladder and harness to reach the top of the wall. Some sections are higher than others; thus, they have to be careful.
“It can be a little scary because you’re kind of having to lean back and use your body weight to not fall,” said Jodi Wolfe, one of the artists.
“I mean I’m excited to be able to just stand in front of it and just be like, ‘We did all this,’ you know,” said Tobey Wolfe, another painter.
Artists continue their work every day, and the mural has a ways to go. Sponsors need to fill up roughly 132 more spots out of around 270.
“My goal for this wall is to spread joy and happiness. Somebody look at it and maybe they’re having a bad day, and they see it and they’re like, you know, maybe my day is not that bad after all,” said Slaton.
Slaton said her goal is to finish the mural by this time next year.
Businesses and artists can reach Slaton at mustardseed.paintmurals@gmail.com for pricing or to help paint.
Longview(KLTV)
Longview(KLTV)
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