Community Mural Begins to Take Shape in Columbus
From Graffiti to Community Pride
What started as a blank wall is quickly becoming a vibrant work of community art.
Painting officially began on Sunday, May 31, on the new mural located on the west wall of the It's All Fun 'n Games building at 1158 26th Avenue. The project is a collaborative effort between the Trax Creative District, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 34, Omaha artists Kim Darling and dozens of community volunteers.
The idea for the mural began after the building was tagged with graffiti last year.
"Clean up efforts worked somewhat," said Jean Van Iperen, City of Columbus Planning & Economic Development Coordinator, "but you could still tell the building had been spray painted."
Rather than simply leave it, Van Iperen saw an opportunity to create something positive and lasting. The Creative District applied for a grant through the Nebraska Arts Council with the vision of transforming the wall into a community mural that residents could help create.
The project gained momentum when Josh Johnson, a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class 34, reached out regarding a potential class project. It quickly became clear both groups shared a similar vision for creating a meaningful public art piece. With the blessing of building owners Eric and Kim Dreher, the project received the green light.
Throughout the winter months, representatives from the Trax Creative District, Leadership Class 34 and artist Kim Darling met several times to discuss design concepts, project goals and the logistics needed to bring the mural to life.
Today, what was once a wall marked by graffiti is being transformed into a colorful symbol of collaboration, creativity and community pride.
Progress Underway on a New Public Art Landmark
Since painting began, volunteers have been helping transform the wall into a colorful piece of public art that will serve as a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors alike. Work will continue throughout next week as the mural takes shape, and there is still time for community members to get involved.
Whether you're an experienced artists or simple looking for a unique volunteer opportunity, painting shifts are still available. This is a chance to contribute to a project that will become a lasting part of the Columbus landscape.
Interested volunteers can sign up using the online registration form (here) and join the growing group of community members helping bring the mural to life.
Meet the Artist Behind the Mural
The artist for the project is Kim Darling, Omaha, a multidisciplinary artist, educator and curator whose work is centered on sparking conversation, pushing creative boundaries and bringing people together through art.
Kim is no stranger to Columbus. Through her artist residencies, she has worked closely with both senior citizens and local youth, creating opportunities for participants to explore their creativity while learning new artistic techniques. Her residencies emphasize painting without boundaries, encouraging students to discover their own personal iconography, experiment with color-rich palettes and think differently about scale and self-expression.
Participants in Kim's programs work from the perspective of a large-scale abstract painter and are introduced to a variety of mixed media, including acrylic paint, ink, and pastel. By combining these materials and techniques, students gain confidence in their creative abilities while learning how art can be used to express their own voice.
Earlier this year, Kim partnered with both the Columbus Senior Center and the Columbus Public Library, helping participants of all ages create artwork that was later celebrated in a community exhibit. One of the most memorable aspects of her residency was bringing different generations together through art, fostering connections and creating a shared sense of accomplishment.
The community mural represents another chapter in that work. By inviting residents to help paint alongside one another, the project reflects Kim's belief that art should be accessible, collaborative and deeply connected to the community in which it exists.
As the mural continues to develop over the coming days, residents are encouraged to stop by, watch the progress, and consider joining the effort. The finished piece will stand as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when creativity and community come together.
