"The Art of Lake Life", a Mural
A Community Art Project
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Overview
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Crooked Creek Art League (CCAL) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit consisting of over 120 artists from all across the midlands. Crooked Creek Park (CCP) in Chapin, SC has been our base of operations since we were founded in 1995.
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Recently, Jason White, CCP Director, asked CCAL to create a large scale mural within Crooked Creek Park dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) and the 25th Anniversary of both Crooked Creek Park and the Crooked Creek Art League.
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In keeping with their missions, CCP and CCAL included community engagement throughout the project. The initial mural design was based on the drawing and suggestions of the CCP 2019 Summer Safari Kids after the children were asked to paint what they like most about living in the area. Unified by the literal and figurative themes of sunrise to sunset the mural starts at sunrise with a young boy casting a line into the lake and ends with an old man in a fishing boat at sunset. The mural is reflective of lake life and depicts numerous aspects and activities of lake life in the greater Chapin community.
The mural, which spans two 17’ wide walls, can be seen in the CCP Recreation Building which is CCAL’s home base and a central gathering point for people of all ages in a wide range of activities.
Calendar of Events​
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Jun 1 - Sept 31 A Design in Born
Working with Summer Safari Kids, CCAL artists developed a design for the mural.
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Oct 1 - Oct 31 Materials Acquisition
All necessary paints, tools and supplies were identified and acquired.
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Nov 1 - Feb 20 Painting!
A team of CCAL artists work on preparing the surface and painting the mural on the wall.
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Mar 3, 6pm Dedication Ceremony
Please join us at 6pm for the dedication ceremony and celebration at Crooked Creek Park.
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Mar 3 Interactive "What does it mean to ME?" Wall Launch
In keeping with their missions, CCP and CCAL feel it is important to include and get the community engaged so we offer an opportunity for the viewing public to contribute to the project by adding to the display! Alongside the mural will be a Community Input Wall where viewers will be invited to put their thoughts on "What does it mean to ME?" You might respond to the art itself, what the art represents, life within the community or however the art moves you. Post-It notes and pens will be provided and a large section of wall for everyone add their note!
*Notes will be monitored. CCP reserves the right to remove any deemed inappropriate for a family friendly environment.
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Mar 3 Scavenger Hunt Launch
You are invited to play along by exploring the mural carefully to find special elements and answer questions based on the detailed content of the mural. Scavenger Hunt Forms will be available for download HERE or picked up at the CCP front desk. Turn your completed form in at front desk for a small prize and a chance to win a S&S Destination gift certificate in a drawing to be held mid-summer.
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Mar 3 Dedication Ceremony
Please join us for the dedication ceremony commemorating the mural to Crooked Creek Park and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. The ceremony will be held at CCP. Exact location within the park and time TBD.
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A special thank you to all the artists that are playing a part in bringing this project to our community!
Sonya Diimmler and Karen Larrabee (project co-chairs)
Pam Bulak
Kay Stallings
Ann Sweeney
Barbara Teusink
Tommy D. Thompson
Shin Wilbanks
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A special thank you to all wonderful people that manage Crooked Creek Park and who have been fabulous hosts and partners to CCAL since our inception. Special recognition goes out to Jason White, Park Director, Eric Funderburk, Facilities Coordinator and Mark Smyers, Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission Executive Director .
Thank you for all your support!
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We are deeply grateful for the generous grant provided for this project by the Greater Chapin Community Foundation. Your investment in this community has made this wonderful art project possible!