by Amanda Ikens, East Owner Resources Coordinator
Back in 2019, we worked with Dane Arts Mural Arts (DAMA) to design and install a community painted mural at Willy North, and this year, we’re partnering with them again for a mural at Willy West. DAMA is a nonprofit whose goal is “beautifying neighborhoods throughout Dane County by engaging youth and community members in all aspects of the collaborative mural making process…Each DAMA mural project presents a unique opportunity to address inequities and support unity by engaging at-risk youth, developing neighborhood partnerships, and inviting community members to participate in each step of the collaborative art.”
We began our process by asking all Co-op employees to suggest theme ideas for the mural. We had 10 proposals, and from those 10, Willy West employees voted for their top three favorite themes. Then DAMA artists drafted concept designs for the three themes. Now it’s up to West shoppers to vote for their favorite design! Later this month, three designs will be posted at Willy West for shoppers to stop in and vote for their favorite until July 1.
After the final vote is tallied, DAMA artists will finalize the winning design. Be on the lookout for opportunities to help paint the mural at community events later this summer!