Art and History:
New mural will highlight local leaders community impact
Photos by Joe Crimmings
Murals have become more and more prominent across the city over the past several years as artists have teamed up with both city officials and private building owners to add a new vibrancy to neighborhood pockets and downtown corridors.
Leading this charge has been Liz Lidgett who has played a vital role in the community as an art advocate, gallery owner and primary point person for many of the murals throughout the city.
The newest piece will begin mid-April as Des Moines artist Jill Wells will install a mural at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families located at 1171 7th Street.
Wells’ work investigates race, history, stereotypes, accessibility and the human condition.
The new mural was designed to capture the legacy of J. Barry Griswell, former CEO of Principal Financial group, and of Evelyn K Davis. Both dedicated their lives to helping others and giving in our community. The mural will help display their legacy and the mission of the EDCWF.
The mural will be 150 feet spanning the entire northside of the building prominently displayed to traffic heading south into downtown.
Assisting Wells will be artist Marissa Hernandez who recently completed a mural for The Slow Down Coffee Co. in Highland Park.
Des Moines Artist Jill Wells works on a test piece for her upcoming mural she is installing at the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families.
Upon completion Wells’ mural will span the entire 150 foot north side wall of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families located at 1171 7th Street in Des Moines.