A mural planned for the side of Mills Jewelers on Main Street will be visible by westbound Erie Canal traffic. The mural design will be unveiled Tuesday evening at the Historic Palace Theatre. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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After nearly nine months of discussion and planning, organizers of the "Mural on Main" project are ready to unveil the design chosen to liven up the side of Mills Jewelers.

The side of this building had been hidden by the former parking ramp. Now that the ramp is gone, a group of Lockport residents is raising money to  spruce up the view.

A 7:30 p.m. Tuesday public event at the Historic Palace Theatre will begin with a video presentation and the highly anticipated rendering reveal of the mural. Internationally known muralist, Augustina Droze will expound upon the inspiration and the process.

Following, at 8 p.m., the public will have a chance to meet the artist and purchase a limited edition signed print of the mural. Refreshments will be served by Cream and Sugar Café.

While the event is free, attendees who contribute a donation of any amount will be eligible to win a pair of season tickets to the Palace Theatre’s 2015-2016 live Broadway Style season.

The Mural on Main is a project dependent entirely on community contributions. Recently the Grigg-Lewis Foundation pledged $10,000 toward the project as a matching grant. Organizer, George Fritz reports that the public has donated 34% of the funds needed to receive that matching grant. The total budget for the mural has been reduced to $35,000. Savings were realized by changing the method of installation from scaffolding to boom lifts. Funds need to be raised by July 30 to make the mural a reality.

The mural will depict the historic flight of five locks while it represents the progress of current day and the promise of the future. The artwork will fill the entire 42-foot high, 60-foot wide wall facing the Main Street parking lot. It’s highly visible to Main Street traffic and even to boats traveling the Erie Canal. The wall was exposed after the former parking ramp was torn town two years ago. Painting is expected to take place in September and take about a month to complete. Residents will be able to watch the daily progress in person and on social media.

Tax deductible donations can be made at the event on Tuesday evening by cash, check or credit card. Information will also be shared on how the public can help raise the funds needed to complete the mural. Donations can also be sent to Mural on Main, POB 123, Lockport, NY 14095. Checks should be made payable to the Niagara County Historical Society.

RELATED LINK:

• Mural on Main Facebook 

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