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“I want to see people bringing their kids and grandkids to City Hall to see the murals and the history of their community.” -Rhinelander mayor Dick Johns

By Michael Skubal - DAILY NEWS STAFF

It's time. It is the 100th anniversary of the Oneida County Courthouse and celebration plans have been underway for months. But it is also the 100th anniversary of the Rhinelander City Hall and Mayor Dick Johns has an idea.

“We're going to celebrate 100 years,” said Johns. “You know the flags hanging in the mayor's office are mine. I brought them from home just to have something on the bare walls. I got this idea talking with Lisa Kuczmarski. This is what I'd like to do. I want to give notice to the public that the City Hall belongs to them. I'm asking for pictures and historical items that people would like to show in our City Hall. The walls are bare. It's time.”

Mayor Johns is matter of fact about some things. Rhinelander isn't going to build a new city hall in the near future. “It's 100 years old and it's going to be around for another 25 or 30 years at least,” said Johns. “Let's fix the place up. I got to thinking about murals on the walls. Lisa thought it was a good idea.

“I was put in touch with an art teacher at Nicolet, Peggy Grinvalsky, who has done projects like this before. We took a tour of the building recently. She thinks this would be a great community project. It could be a great youth project and a way to get the community involved.”

Grinvalsky came up with a community mural project proposal. “A community mural can be an exciting community event that brings together a large, varied group of people.

It can make room for everyone of all ages to take part.

Those who feel they have ‘no art talent' can finally be part of a big creative process.

The group design sessions allow many people to help describe and explain their community, to take a look at what they love, and what they value about living here... those answers and those images become the heart of a much more thoughtful, lively, meaningful design that speaks personally to many more members of the community.”

How does a project like this work? According to Grinvalsky, “The mural design sessions are open to everyone of all ages having any interest in contributing ideas. A smaller group of volunteers will learn how to mix colors, keep the paints organized and run an orderly painting session for the public. Once the design is transferred onto the panels, the mural panels will be set up for public painting sessions open to everyone.

Community members of all ages paint the first layers of the mural. Participants may sign a mural ledger that will be kept as part of historical documentation. A small group of volunteers will be trained to help detail the mural. The final finishing of the mural is my responsibility”

Grinvalsky's responsibilities include designing a project logo to rally attention and community support. The responsibilities of the community include donations of materials, a call for volunteers interested in taking part, the organization of any events surrounding hanging and opening of the murals and the transportation of paints and mural panels for design and painting sessions.

There are budget considerations. The artist's fee is $30 per square foot with a minimum of $2,000. The materials budget depends on such things as the size and placement of the mural. Community materials donations significantly affect the actual cash required for the project. Other considerations include space rental for design meetings, the painting sessions and paint, mural storage, carpentry needs, scaffolding necessary for the hanging of the murals and opening celebration expenses.

It is not just the mural project that Mayor Johns is encouraging. He would like residents to check the attic for photos and historical items. “If we can't hang them on the wall we'll put the items on tripods around the rooms and in the lobby,” said Johns. “We're going to hang a thirty star flag in the big window. That's what the flag looked like when Wisconsin was admitted to the union.

I'm taking this on myself, I'm going to try to work this for the community. I've only got two years left as Mayor and I want to get this done. I want to see people bringing their kids and grandkids to City Hall to see the murals and the history of their community.”

So Mayor Johns is making a call to all who have an interest in the City of Rhinelander and the history of the area. It's time. “If you have an idea or something to lend or donate, give me a call. Speak clearly and repeat any telephone numbers and I'll get back to you. My number at City Hall is 365-8618,” Johns said.

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Robert & Elizabeth Putnam wrote on Feb 11, 2008 1:37 PM:

" Hi: When will Rhinelander be celebrating thier 100th year? We are formally from Rhinelander born and raised there but have been in Florida for many years, we hope to be back in Rhinelander this summer and enjoy all the festivities. Mayor Johns keep up the good work I check with the Rhinelander Daily News everyday on the internet. Good Job Rhinelander,evden if it is very cold there today it is near 80 degrees very nice. "

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