Renderings of murals available for charitable donation

With only a handful of Mississippi River Tales artwork available for sale, time is running out for those who want to own a piece of Cape Girardeau history and support the ongoing painting process that will continue on Cape Girardeau's floodwalls until the fall.

The renderings by artist Thomas Melvin are available for a tax-deductible $5,000 donation and the proceeds will go toward the mural project as well as the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Old Town Cape.

Those who purchase the renderings will be considered sponsors and have their names included in a planned booklet and reading wall that will be constructed once the murals are completed.

The reading wall will be mounted on a safety rail about 25 feet in front of each of the murals.

Eight renderings were on display at the arts council Friday night as part of the council's First Friday gallery reception.

These eight were all that remained of the 24 renderings since they were created about eight or 10 months ago, said River Heritage Mural Association president Tim Blottner.

"People are excited about being involved and the thought of being a part of the project. Everyone is feeling really good that they're supporting it," Blottner said.

Many of the renderings are still being used for their intended purpose, as a guide for the mural painting, so they will not be hanging in any residences or businesses any time soon.

The mural project is only a third of the way complete.

Anyone interested in purchasing one of the remaining renderings should call Blottner at either 334-3288 or 334-6327, or contact association treasurer Narvol Randol Jr. at 278-6939.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182