A mosaic mural that was the largest of its kind when it was installed in the 1950s is facing demolition this summer in Lincoln, NE. A group of mosaic artists are doing their part to help raise a portion of the $1 million needed to remove the mosaic mural before the wrecking ball hits.
Using No Days Mosaic Groutless Adhesive, they are selling mosaic kits that use recycled jar lids to create clever and fun mosaic ornaments to engage the community with mosaics while saving a part of their community’s history.
Carrie Strope and Heather Swartz have invited area residents into the local stained glass studio, Architectural Glassarts, to create mini mosaic ornaments. Architectural Glassarts is donating glass and mirror and the artists are donating their time. The mosaic ornament kits and classes are $10, with 80% of the funds going to the mural’s fundraising effort. The remainder of the funds will cover the cost of materials not being donated. To complete the kit, participants must supply a clean, upcycled jar lid.
Tax-deductible donations to save Pershing’s mural may be made online at www.nshsf.org/projects/pershing-mural/ or by mailing a check to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, 128 N. 13th St., Suite 1010, Lincoln, NE 68508, noting Pershing Mural Preservation Project on the check’s memo line.
Reist, Margaret. (2021, November 28) ‘A small group determined to save the Pershing mural has raised money for a feasibility study.’ The Lincoln Journal Star. https://journalstar.com/news/local/a-small-group-determined-to-save-the-pershing-mural-has-raised-money-for-a-feasibility/article_06cf7009-8848-5617-8685-a86198c4f0b9.html
Schwaninger, Mark. (2022, April 29) ‘ Local mosaic artists help raise funds to save Pershing mural.’ Lincoln Journal Star: Neighborhood Extra. https://journalstar.com/niche/neighborhood-extra/fun-and-fundraisers/local-mosaic-artists-help-raise-funds-to-save-pershing-mural/article_95b63ecd-4b03-56ad-986e-bd24ce61bd71.html
Griffith, Nicole. (2022, May 4) ‘Group halfway to $1 million goal to save Pershing mural from being demolished.’ 10/11 Now. https://www.1011now.com/2022/05/05/group-halfway-1-million-goal-save-pershing-mural-being-demolished
