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Good news: Interactive Street Art Wall - changes are coming
The Interactive Street Art Wall has become a unique photographic feature in Brazil and is quite a tourist attraction during the summer. However, Mother Nature has been less than kind over the past few years to the interactive street art project.
Helen Anne Meunier spearheaded the idea and preparation for the project in 2019.
“I led that project with all the artists, and I worked too hard for it, and, for me, I can’t let it go,” said Meunier about a project makeover to the damage from the weather. ”I’ve been the lone person maintaining it until now; there is starting to be a group of people who love it and are helping me now.”
Meunier admits she is “get’er done” kind of person, but her beloved projects are important to her.
Meunier, besides the Art Wall, has also been involved with helping fix the Brazil High Monument by the YMCA, and helping care for family members. Admittedly it is a lot, but Meunier is dedicated - believing, “you have to finish what you start and then maintain what you create.”
The Art Wall has spawned other artistic endeavors. The interactive chalkboard has inspired families to spend time together and play, photography interest in young children, and interest in the community.
A NEGLECTED GEM?
People are beginning to notice the condition of the Art Wall, contacting The Brazil Times with concerns.
A local resident called the Times complaining that something so nice for the community needed a little TLC. He wanted to know how to help the project, but he did not leave his name for Times staff members to forward to anyone.
The Times received text messages of concern as well:
“My granddaughter and I love to go up there to take pictures of her playing with artwork,” said Angie Snow about the project that is beginning to have seen better days. “I do know people are working on getting the artwork fixed and back up. (My granddaughter) also loves to check on the snake and seeing if it has grown.”
Snow says some people don’t even know the Art Wall is there, “It’s been forgotten.”
GOING FROM ‘CHIC’ TO SHABBY TO ‘CHIC’ AGAIN
When Meunier was asked about the Art Wall, she admitted to telling the artists the project would be around for their children and many others to see sand play with.
“I took that promise serious,” said Meunier.
However the ravages of time are unwavering, life goes on and often not how people imagine.
Yet, Muenier remains positive and still has the contact book from the project.
“I’ve been working my way through it,” she said about a fresh look for the wall. “I have to contact all the step/book artists, me being one, to see if they want to touch up or let go then I might have a step or two for others.”
Renovations are expected this summer.
EDITED 052824