Artists make downtown a canvas

Chadron seems a little more colorful this year. The trees are fully bloomed, new and returning student faces in the hallways and more importantly the art works of various people enrich the brick and cement walls of downtown Chadron. 

Since its start in Nov 2018, artists and community members made the back alley ways, roofs and building sides of downtown brighter with the Paint the Town initiative. Paint the town started with a dream posted on Facebook, to business owners wanted to spruce up downtown. 

 Much like art alleys of big cities, the alley ways of Chadron are way for artists to showcase their work and for much more.

According to Gabby Michan, the Director of the Chamber of Commerce, the goal of Chadron’s Paint the Town initiative is to bring people together. 

“To connect more people and to also connect people of diverse backgrounds, being that it is a really easy activity that people can agree to do. It doesn’t matter like you background, or what you believe or anything like that, it matters that you taking the step forward to do something together.” Michan said.  

Michan’s  post about wanting to paint a mural turned into the town painting one with her. 

CSC students interested  are encouraged to contact the Chamber of Commerce or work directly with business that would like artwork painted. As college students are part of the community and should leave  their own mark on Chadron and leave some ownership Michna said.

“Our focus in general in terms of artwork or submissions would be anyone in our community, especially the kids on campus.”  Michan said.

It didn’t take long till, high-school student, now college freshman, Kayah Bynes had her art up on the wall.

“Mostly horror.” Bynes said when asked about her art style. “I don’t really look kinda creepy but I show people my art and I think it is kind of funny.”

 Though it is not her usual style, she does have artwork peaking around town. Some works including a painted piano and butterfly mural on the back of Service Barbers. Bynes mentioned that clubs on campus may join the Art Guild in painting murals in the future. 

Artist or building owners that would like to contribute to Paint the Town can call Gabby Michan at 308-432-4401 or visit www.chadron.com under events, click Paint The Town to submit artwork.