Art Club, Community groups paint new building mural

It’s been said that teamwork makes the dream work — that could not be truer for the latest big project in downtown Gonzales. For years, several members of the Gonzales community have been hoping for historic-themed murals. The town is full of wonderful buildings with façades waiting to be turned into works of art, many of which can depict the rich history and heritage of our city. Thanks to the work of some dreamers, the first one has come to fruition.

The project was officially spearheaded last year when Suzanne Sexton suggested a mural campaign be brought to downtown Gonzales. A committee was formed to look at artists and pricing based on an idea for a design. Next, Daisy Scheske Freeman, the executive director of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, and Sexton took a ride around town highlighting buildings that would be magnificent for murals. They decided to start with the building now owned by Tim Gescheidle of TSG Architects as it is a great entry to downtown located at the corner of Saint Joseph and Saint Francis. Once the idea was presented to Gescheidle, the next step was to find an artist, or group of artist. Ann Covert, a committee member, suggested reaching out to Michele Dolezal who is the advisor of the Gonzales High School Art Club.

The Art Club had been busy painting small murals at the high school. The scope of the project was presented to Mrs. Dolezal at the site. She agreed the kids would be able to paint it but needed approval from another building owner as well as approval from the high school administration to allow students to work on the project.

The Gonzales Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) needed a way to fund the first mural. A financial request was submitted to the Gonzales Historic Homes Association. The group agreed that using funds in this manner qualifies as part of their downtown beautification goals as well as promoting tourism.

Thanks to Michael Garcia (Gonzales High School Principal Grades 11-12) and Wanda Fryer (High School Principal Grades 9-10), they recognized the value of students creating something vital in their community. They granted two days for 15 students from the Art Club to work on the mural. The students, along with Mrs. Dolezal and Mrs. Sexton, spent two full days working on the project followed by another half day of detail work.

Thanks also to Ken Morrow who was on the committee for his guidance with the kids on using paint rollers as well as allowing them the use of ladders and drop cloths.

There were numerous cars that pulled up, commended the work, others asked for their buildings to be on the list of places to get a mural painted, thumbs up were given, honks and waves as well as several stopping to talk and see what was being done. Every comment made was that of praise for the project, for beautifying downtown, for sharing the story in a big bold way and for the students who are investing their efforts in the community.

The ultimate goal of the project is to have a “Mile of Murals” in downtown Gonzales. With each building that can be painted, funds will need to be raised to cover the costs of the project. Some building owners might pay for the entire project themselves, while others may not be able to finance the entire project. It’s our hope to start a mural campaign that will allow the High School Art Club more opportunities to create murals downtown. The CVB believes that a “Mile of Murals” would be another attraction to our Heritage Tourism that already plays a huge role in bringing visitors to our community. The CVB, Gonzales Historic Homes Association and Gonzales High School Art Club hope to see many photos being taken by the new mural, seeing selfies being posted on social media, seniors having photo shoots at the wall, and families that come to town having a picture there to document their time in Gonzales, where the Come and Take It rally cry was first heard.