Materials: hand-painted acrylic latex. mural (88 ft x 31 ft, 4 inches), Nov. 2015. Images: Joshua McDevitt.
bungaku no katamari (clump of literature)
Washington Public Library Mural, Washington, Iowa
Libraries are conservators of the thoughts, dreams and experiences of humankind. When we are young, libraries open our imaginations, giving us the potential to alter our perception of ourselves for the better. This mural bungaku no katamari was inspired by several children’s books, as well as the video game Katamari Damacy. In the video game, a player takes the form of a ball rolling about - amassing objects small and large; eventually becoming so gigantic, they turn into a star. Readers are their own type of Katamari- not only are they the sum of their personal stories, but they are dreamers; collecting and internalizing discoveries unearthed at their library. It is my hope, every reader will discover their potential as they prepare to roll off the page with their own story, starting here: Once upon a time in Washington…
bungaku no katamari (detail), Materials: hand-painted acrylic latex, November 2015. Image: Joshua McDevitt.
mural work-in-progress, Image: Joshua McDevitt, 2015.
mural work-in-progress, Image: Sally Y. Hart and kciiradio.com, Monday, September 7th, 2015.
project sponsored by:
Leslie Finer, Arts Share, The University of Iowa
Nick Benson, The Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities, The University of Iowa
Debbie Stanton, Library Director, The Washington Free Public Library
equipment courtesy:
Shawn Redlinger, Greiner Buildings, INC., Washington, Iowa
painting supplies:
Sherwin Williams, Store #3783, Iowa City, Iowa
pre-painting masonry cleaning:
TK Enterprises, Washington, Iowa
special thanks to:
The City Council and Community of Washington, Iowa
Debbie Stanton and Family
Stephanie A. Brohman
Washington Public Library Staff Members
Professor Susan C. White, School of Art and Art History, The University of Iowa
Professor Kee-Ho Yuen, School of Art and Art History, The University of Iowa
Ben Anzelc, Instructional Services Specialist, The University of Iowa
Angela Regas, Instructional Services Specialist, The University of Iowa
Faculty of the Japanese Language Department, The University of Iowa
news Links:
Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance
The Washington Evening Journal