La Grange’s Fire Hydrant Painting Beautification Project Going Strong
Arts for Rural Texas and the City of La Grange are joining efforts in a project to transform the city’s fire hydrants into works of art. The La Grange Fire Department has defined the safety restrictions and supports this fun community beautification project.
Under the leadership of Linda Jones, Fire Hydrant Project Chairperson at ARTS, a committee will define the hydrants to be painted. Already four hydrants have been painted with more in the La Grange community to follow immediately. As the project develops more hydrants throughout the community will be included. Individual citizens or groups can adopt a hydrant or hydrants. ARTS’ project artist, Melissa Morrell, can paint the hydrant or business and neighborhood teams may paint their own by signing up for the project.
Funds raised from the project support the non-profit Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS), a 501(c)(3). The organization provides free art education and cultural experiences for youth and adults in Fayette County. ARTS serves six school districts, three parochial schools, libraries, home schooled youth and two Boys and Girls Clubs in seven communities including La Grange. ARTS invites children and adults alike to participate in its free programs and to join in the Fire Hydrant Project.
According to Jones, “This project is significant because it allows citizens to engage and take ownership of their civic environment. The painted hydrants create the look of a friendly, family neighborhood and offer a lasting sense of community pride.” ARTS is working with Craig Moreau, Fayette County Chief Emergency Manager and Paula Vogel, Main Street La Grange Representative, both providing support and guidelines by which the project will be completed, assuring city compliance and safety.
Businesses in the community that wish to sponsor and underwrite the fire hydrant at their location should contact ARTS in order to reserve a hydrant that will be painted Hydrants will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Sponsorship is for a year and each sponsored hydrant will be publically recognized. As well, a plaque on the sponsored hydrant will bear the name of the sponsor. ARTS is seeking neighbors who wish to collaborate and express their own unique style in their neighborhood. Groups from community churches and youth organizations are invited to participate in the project as well. There is plenty of painting to go around for anyone who wants to join the fun. Families and friends can join together to form painting teams. This is a great opportunity to come together after a year of isolation and separation and to stand up and express pride in your neighborhood and your community.
Supporters for this project have come from all around. A longtime supporter of the arts and an important contributor to Arts for Rural Texas, has stepped up to underwrite 2 hydrants. Two local businesses, Dr. Karen Roberts of Cornerstone Dentistry and Farmers Lumber Company, have enthusiastically signed on. Linda and Frank Jones are underwriting a portion of the production cost. The most distant supporter is a resident of New York City, sponsoring three hydrants because he feels it is a fun and artful way to beautify the city.
The project begins with design submissions. From these, selections will be made and then the painting begins. For further information contact Arts for Rural Texas at 979-378-2113 or info@artsforruraltexas.com.