The following article was written by Erin LaBonte as a part of the Rahr West Art Museum’s Art Forward Series.
“Radical kindness”–these words were used in reference to the late Fred McFeely Rogers. As a TV host, author, producer, and Presbyterian minister Fred Rogers used his platform to connect with young people. He talked to them honestly and directly about the world we live in, emotions, relationships, and experiences. “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” revolutionized children’s television and informed its audience from 1968 to 2001. Rogers’ goal was to connect with each child and make them feel special. By doing this he created a safe place for learning and an inclusive community. Everyone is cherished and important in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. TV Guide described Mr. Rogers: “… makes us, young and old alike, feel safe, cared for and valued… Wherever Mister Rogers is, so is sanctuary.”
Matthew Sauer, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church and life-long appreciator of Mr. Rogers reached out to local artists Erin LaBonte and Don Krumpos about creating a mural on the church’s north-facing wall. “A mural was a way to deepen our appreciation of art and make a bold statement to the community that we are here, we are relevant, and we are engaged. We are the community’s church, the heart of the lakeshore.”
First Presbyterian Church has been engaging the Manitowoc community for 171 years. It was home to the first preschool in Manitowoc County, which embodied the same values that Mister Rogers championed. “Our history once again moved us to connect with our community in a new way.” Sauer shares, “It was decided that the theme would be based on Mister Rogers and capturing his faith that says all are welcome and loved in this place. After looking at many quotes, we chose to include a shortened version of, ‘Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.’ We feel this communicates listening to and love of all our community.”
Mr. Rogers said a lot of things worth repeating. In designing this mural, artists Erin LaBonte and Don Krumpos wanted to celebrate his message. LaBonte shares, “There are all kinds of iconic images and characters that I can remember from Mr. Rogers…the tree, Daniel Tiger, the trolley. We considered making a mural that included these ideas, but concluded that we were more interested in creating an image that would inspire and resonate with everyone, not just those who grew up with Mr. Rogers.”
Let’s make art together! This year we are going to create a community paint-by-number mural on the north facade of First Presbytarian Church. The Lakeshore Artists Guild’s fifth annual Art Slam CommUNITY Mural is scheduled for September 10, 2022. One of the event’s goals is to leave behind one permanent piece of public art. Another goal is to get the community actively creating together. Come out and be part of this process.
The 2022 paint-by-number mural is made possible because of neighborhood contributors. A big thanks goes out to Jeremiah Novak of Novak’s Service Center for being such a huge supporter of public art in our community. This is the sixth mural in the downtown area that Jeremiah contributed to or sponsored directly. Thank you Peace United Church of Christ for helping bring this project to life. Hallman Lindsay Paints, our reliable and friendly paint store, again donated paint for the project. A huge thanks to Hamann Construction for donating a lift! Thank you Betsy and Tom Kocourek and Balance on Buffalo for your support and interest in this project. Special thanks to Matt Sauer and others at First Presbytarian Church for your vision, fiscal contribution, and collaboration on the Art Slam 2022 commUNITY mural project.
See you at the wall!
