Far beyond simple beautification, artist-community collaborative murals strengthen communities as a community-building exercise that brings together all ages and projects their collective voice.

The costs of a mural can vary greatly between artists depending on their experience, reputation and where they live. Murals can cost $10-$200 per square foot depending on the difficulty or intricacy of the design.

the group effort is not only a piece of art, but a stronger community! Below are quotes from mural artists about their perceptions of the ben-efits of community-based public art. If you have your own quote to add, whether you are an artist or community member, please email us at . [email protected]. RICHARD HARRISON / A Midsummer Mural

It is part of Joslyn Art Museum’s programming and a group of 3-5 high school students usually paint one mural per semester. They learn to listen to a client, take notes, to design collaboratively with each other and the mentor, and then to paint together.

What are your favorite aspects of being part of community murals? I love when people come up to me and describe the way my artwork has impacted their daily commute or the way they see their neighborhood as a more beautiful and unified place to live after a mural has been installed.

The artist first draws the basic outlines of your mural first, adding details later because its important to establish the basic design first to check for the correct proportions. It helps to first draw with vine charcoal or washable pencils.

Choosing the right artist for your mural project is one of the most important steps of the process. One factor that needs to be determined by the community right away is to decide whether or not they prefer someone from their own community to be the chosen artist.

Community paint days allow more people to participate in the mural process. After you choose your ideal painting days, have some back-up dates called “rain days” in case the weather doesn’t allow for painting.

Meet the artist and give them direction on the mural design that includes details about the wall, timeline, type of collaboration, desired subject matter, aesthetic/style and colors; Artist shows design(s), community gives feedback; Artist shows design(s) again, community gives further feedback; Final review

When is your mural to be completed? Be sure to leave enough time for community meetings, design meetings, and actual painting including transfer-design-to-wall day and community paint days.