Elevated Art Murals celebrate Faulkton’s creative commitment
isible for miles around this northeastern community, Faulkton’s latest mural project soars into the sky. Painted on the Agtegra grain elevator, the work of Australian muralist Guido van Helten depicts the youthful spirit of this artistic town, where murals throughout the community show a commitment to creativity. The towering mural concept began with Dave Hedt, Faulkton entrepreneur and transplanted Australian. The murals of van Helten, now visible in communities around the world, (check it out at www.guidovanhelten.com or on Facebook and Instagram) began near Hedt’s Australian hometown. “Aussie Dave had heard that where these soaring mural projects had happened, the local economy took a huge jump because of visitors coming to the site,” said Linda Bartholomew, one of the original members of the Faulkton Area Arts Council. “He did some investigating and realized this was something to be pursued and could be literally something big for Faulkton.” Van Helten was invited to Faulkton, where he met with arts council members, economic development officials and residents, all of whom were excited that the international muralist was willing to transform the local elevator. A committee was formed and fundraising and grant writing began, leading to a South Dakota Arts Council grant and an outpouring of regional support. Guido made a return visit in 2017, living in the area for about three weeks, taking photographs and getting to know the Faulkton geography and people. During the summer, van Helten went up in a soaring lift arm basket, working on three sides of the elevator tower. The vertical mural, completed September 1, depicts a prairie boy and girl, connected by flying hats that symbolize the western culture and the lofty aspirations of this community dedicated to public art.
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Guido van Helten at work on the Faulkton mural. Photos this page courtesy of Crystal Kopecky.
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www.ArtsCouncil.sd.gov
