Downtown Muncie mural organizers set timeline
MUNCIE, Ind. — We're Trying Collective published its website and held two fundraisers in late August, and within a week organizers already reached 23 percent of its funding goal for new artwork in downtown Muncie.
The group raised $2,296 between its VERGE Pitch Night and Mark III Taproom fundraisers. Its goal is $10,000, which will be used to paint a downtown Muncie mural alongside the wall of the Mark III Taproom. The art would be an effort to bring color and unity to the Muncie community.
The quick progress has given the group a tangible deadline. The members anticipate painting to start in late April or early May, depending on the Muncie weather and the continued fundraising efforts through the winter.
Faith Kellermeyer, communications manager for the project, said she's "overwhelmed" at the positive response she's seen since the project started.
"I was really shocked," she said her group's first-week success. She added that based on where they are in fundraising now, and assuming the success continues, "We're optimistic that we'll be able to work on it" when the spring hits.
Kellermeyer will deliver a Pecha Kucha talk during the "Final Friday" event at Ball State University's David Owsley Museum of Art on Friday, Sept. 30. Pecha Kucha, Japanese for "chit-chat," is a presentation format that provides speakers with 20 image-based slides and 20 seconds per slide to share an idea. Kellermeyer will discuss how We're Trying Collective was formed, how the mural will enhance the downtown community and share updates on their progress.
The event runs 6-9 p.m., with the talks beginning at 7 p.m.
Team raising money for downtown Muncie mural
We're Trying Collective will also be present at downtown Muncie's ArtsWalk from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 6. The group will set up a table at The Caffeinery, 401 S. Walnut St., to accept donations and discuss the mural. Ten percent of the money the coffee shop earns during that time will go toward the project.
"We're just excited to keep moving forward," Kellermeyer said.
Those interested in donating or learning about We're Trying Collective's upcoming events can visit weretryingcollective.com.
Contact reporter Audrey Kirby at 765-213-5816 and follow on Twitter @ajanekirby.