Work began on Natchitoches’ first community mural as the Ben D. Johnson Center held the first of several “Paint Days” Saturday. January 29. The day was a bit of a family affair as Steven and Natasha Jackson came out with their daughter to volunteer. They were joined by Leonard Ellis and Ben D. Johnson Center Executive Director Joanna Cooper. Artist Edgar Cano’s children helped as their father painted in outlines of the mural’s figures.

When finished, the mural will cover an entire wall of the center and face the Legacy Garden. The mural, designed by local artist and NSU alumni, Edgar Cano, will be the first community mural in Natchitoches. The mural is entitled “Seeds of Hope” and celebrates Natchitoches’ agricultural heritage as well as celebrating the Legacy Garden’s mission.

The mural is truly a community effort. Edgar Cano made a life size version of the mural on paper. Volunteers punched small holes every few inches along the figures in the mural. The paper was the fastened to the wall and dots made with a marker in the holes. The paper was then taken down and the dots on the wall connected to form an outline. Over the next few paint days, volunteers from throughout the community will come to the Ben D. Johnson Center to fill in the mural.

The next paint day is Saturday, February 5. Come out to have fun and contribute to a lasting piece of art in our city!

---