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A new mural is brightening up the tunnel behind Fox Commons thanks to Paint the City 4. Each summer for the past four years, Paint the City has brought together students from the Appleton Area School District (AASD) for a two-week program to design and paint a public mural. This year’s project took place from August 4 to 15 in the tunnel behind Fox Commons and was sponsored by the Community Vision Fund and Fox Cares Foundation within the Community Foundation.
“The Community Foundation has been a supporter of Paint the City since the beginning because we believe in the transformative power of the arts.”, said Carolyn Desrosiers, Director of Community Engagement with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “To see the youth, educators, and community members all working together towards a shared goal is nothing short of inspiring.”
Over two weeks, 20 AASD high school students collaborated with local artist Irineo (Neo) Medina to plan and complete a large-scale mural. Students earned art credit and a stipend. They also learned practical skills, including planning a public art project, preparing the wall, painting at scale, managing time, and engaging with visitors about the work.
This year’s design focuses on music and spans about 3,500 square feet through the Fox Commons tunnel in downtown Appleton. The site offers daily access for residents and visitors, showcasing student effort in a highly visible space.
“Paint the City has continued to grow in its size and impact. The most profound moments exist beyond the paint on the wall,” said Neo Medina, a local artist and lead for Paint the City. “They live in the teamwork and determination of the Paint the City Students. I feel so honored to have been able to build a platform for our youth to launch from. It is incredible to see them take charge. They find themselves holding place, power, and influence that extends to the entire Appleton Community. I am proud of this lasting reminder that each of the students is 1 of 1.”
Belonging is a core goal. The program shares applications through high school support staff, art teachers, and alternative education teams to reach students who might not otherwise see a path to
this kind of project. Three staff members—one teacher from Appleton East, Appleton West, and Appleton North—supported students on site throughout the two weeks. During scheduled sessions, community members were invited to paint with the team, helping build connections beyond the school day.
Paint the City is an initiative of Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc., an affiliate 501(c)(3) of Appleton Downtown, Inc. The nonprofit supports Appleton’s creative economy by expanding opportunities for community access to arts, music, and culture.
For more information about Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc., visit https://appletondowntown.org/creative-downtown-appleton/
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https://www.cffoxvalley.org/loop/2024/08/22/paint-the-city-3/
4455 W. Lawrence St.
Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 830-1290
Monday-Friday:
8:00am – 11:30am,
Noon – 4:00pm
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