From an EYESORE to a LANDMARK!
We have among us a building that has been such a permanent part of the landscape that many of us have just grown to ignore it. It’s a fine enough building, out on the outskirts of town so that we realize neither it’s shortcoming, or it’s Potential.
The Hagerstown Block business thrives, but the tower building hasn’t been utilized for decades. The building has stood as a blank concrete monolith for as long as I can remember.
A change is occurring that brings this building to the front of my mind. Marshall is experiencing quite a renaissance. New businesses, new residents, new opportunities, new times.
GLOBAL FAMILY ALLIANCE’S COMMUNITY PROJECT
We have a chance to take that bland eyesore of a monolith and make it into a Landmark at the Gateway to our fine home. That building is so perfectly situated on the land that two of it’s sides present a fantastic palate for a World Class Mural!
We are Chris and Debbie Cloud, Residents of Marshall, Realtors with Exit Realty Pros, and Executive Directors of Global Family Alliance (501c(3) under application). Our Non-Profit is launching this new Marshall Heritage Mural under the mission to strengthen family through positive community service projects.
We are striving to improve our Community, our Relationships, and our Businesses in this Fair Town we have called home since the late 1970’s and 80’s. Debbie and I have recently returned to our hometown. We hope to have a positive impact on the Unique Northern Fauquier Culture, our local Families, and our Prized Businesses. We hope to recognize our longest standing businesses, as well as welcome our Newest and most Dynamic additions to our Town.
HAGERSTOWN BLOCK COMPANY
Being head of Public Relations, I have spoken with the owner of the Business, Mr. Doy Sneckenberger, and he is enthusiastically in favor of using the building to showcase the aspects of Heritage, Patriotism, and Agriculture that define, Truly Define, the Town of Marshall.
NATIONAL SEARCH FOR AN ARTIST
After extensive research and outreach, I, have been extremely fortunate to secure the talents of Professional Muralist Sam Welty. Sam has completed literally Dozens of Larger Than Life outdoor murals on libraries, stores, municipal buildings, military and government installations, as well as hundreds of indoor murals in shops, malls, museums, corporate headquarters, and private residences. His portfolio is extensive, his experience exhaustive, his talent unlimited, and his passion universal.
Sam’s artistic talent and style are realistic, true to life, and heart felt. His work is not abstract, his product is never controversial or outrageous.
MARSHAL HERITAGE MURAL CONCEPT
We have come up with an initial concept of what may be done. This initial proposal is only for consideration, to be used as an example of what is possible. It is our desire to feature our foundation in Agriculture, our Conviction to Heritage and Patriotism, our Faith in a Higher Power, and respect for our humble Town’s Namesake, Chief Justice John Marshall. We will take all recommendations under advisement. Contributors and Donations will have different levels of contribution to the project. We want to represent Marshall as a whole.
DONATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS & SPONSPONSORSHIPS
The components that are needed to realize this Landmark are:
CHERRY PICKER to be used as a painting platform. This would have to be one of the larger units available on the commercial market, as the upper right quadrant on the right panel of the building is inaccessible from the railroad track side of the building. A Cherry Picker is most useful because it is often quite beneficial for the Artist to be able to swing away from the wall, to view the work from a distance, to gain perspective.
PAINTING & BUILDING PREPARATION – We must initially prepare the bare concrete walls, to give a clean, well-weather-sealed and uniformly painted palette for the Artist to paint on. We will also need the various paints Mr. Welty will need for the mural itself.
ROOM & BOARD for Mr. Welty. He estimates the actual production of the mural will only take between two and four weeks. We hope to find accommodations for him nearby the worksite.
ARTIST’S FEE – Mr. Welty estimates this project to cost between eight and fourteen thousand dollars for his fee. His fee varies dependent upon the complexity of our final rendition of the Mural.
INSURANCE for the project.
We are actively seeking business sponsors that can donate the Cherry Picker, Paint, and Room and Board. We are spearheading the fundraising for his Fee, and the other project costs like Insurance Coverage. In additions, we are looking for volunteers, group fundraising competitions, sponsorship with advertising opportunities and general support for the project.
TIME LINE FOR THE PROJECT
As the building is privately owned, and not under any Historical or Zoning regulations, the project is free to proceed at the pleasure of Mr. Sneckenberger. We won’t be tied up in council or review board meetings for the next three years.
Provided we can secure the elements above (as well as the adequate funding), Mr. Welty hopes to have the inevitable Evolution of the actual Mural and all preparations completed, in time to tackle this project in mid to late Spring, 2019.
CAN WE COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT?
May we count on your Financial Support, and Enthusiastic Promotion?
MARSHALL HERITAGE MURAL
Brought to you by
GLOBAL FAMILY ALLIANCE (501C(3) under application)
Hagerstown Block Company
Marshall, Virginia
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Global Family Alliance 501C(3) (under application)
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