The community art mural Kenai La Belle, originally by artist Fanny Riland, has been installed at the Kenai Airport.
Marcus Mueller with Paint the Kenai said the aim of the entire project which began in 2012 was to spur a sense of community art.
Mueller: “A sense of community identity, a sense of ownership in the community, the mural is very colorful, very alive. It’s got a lot of iconic features to it, from the Russian Orthodox church to, of course, red salmon and oil platforms, Redoubt, the Northern Lights, the Big Dipper, it’s got a lot to it, a lot to look at. And hopefully people will find their own connection to it.”
First-time painter Riland, who was nominated by votes to have her piece recreated into the mural, was not able to be present for the installation…
Mueller: “Fanny Riland is currently living in Juneau, she just had a little baby boy. I talked to her this morning and she’s very excited to having the mural up. We look forward to bringing her up here for a dedication ceremony later this year.”
Mueller said he hopes that this is just the beginning of more community themed and volunteer fueled art projects for the Kenai Peninsula.