Ceremonies to officially unveil the new Fur Trade Mural on the City of Chadron water tank south of the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center are being held at the site off Table Road this afternoon at 4:00.
Chadron Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gabby Michna brought the project to the city as an extension of the ongoing Art Alley project, with donations covering most of the costs. She’s excited about today’s ceremony.
Artwork on the tank had celebrated Chadron’s Fur Trade heritage for years, but eventually faded . When the tank needed to be refurbished last year, Michna approached local artist Gerry “The Gov” Kathol about a new mural.
He agreed and came up with a 12×64-foot painting in acrylic fall colors and a design reflecting the fur trade with Native Americans on one end, fur traders on the other, and a trading post between them.
Kathol began drawing the design on the tank in early May, then painted it – the same process used for the Art Alley murals, several of which feature his designs.
Michna and Chadron art teachers Travis Hencey and Whitney Tewahade were among a small group who helped with the project, but Michna says the strong support of the city council allowed the city to give a big helping hand.
Michna reminds those planning to come out for the 4:00 ribbon cutting that parking at the site is limited.