North Manchester Center For History Unveils New Art Project
September 19, 2021 at 8:17 p.m.
North Manchester Center For History Unveils New Art Project
By Staff Report-
Earlier this month, Becky Kock and her husband Mike finished the interactive mural on the exterior of the museum. The project was accomplished with support from the Kocks, Midwest Eye Consultants and the North Manchester Historical Society.
Kock has long been a fan of outdoor art and believes that “any municipality that supports community art naturally appears to be more prosperous and thriving.” While camping near Potato Creek last summer she saw a similar display and thought it would be a great addition to downtown North Manchester. Remembering the pedestrian alley adjacent to the Center for History an idea hatched. A conversation with CFH staff last winter led to a proposal to the board and the rest, as they say, is history, according to a news release from North Manchester Historical Society.
Becky is the artist in the family but she knew Mike could “drive a paint brush,” and adds that he has been a tremendous help with the project. Over the course of six weeks the couple toiled in the alleyway attracting many visitors and receiving lots of encouragement from the community, stated the release. Sometimes their dog, Otto, came along for the day and often received more attention than the Kocks – or the butterflies.
Kock retired from Rochester schools after teaching intermediate art for 32 years. Learning to paint murals under the guidance of Nancy Waggoner, the pair completed five large murals for the Rochester schools. She worked on perfecting her large scale art technique in the Manchester schools while painting sets for Marilyn Mason. Becky and Mike live in North Manchester but enjoy spending their winters in Texas – where they don’t draw straws to see who gets to shovel snow that day.
Center for History Director Laura Rager said, “This artwork has been a wonderful addition to the downtown community and has drawn many visitors young and old to the site.” Selfies, senior photos and family shots have been taken with the “Mariposas,” the Spanish word for butterflies. Rager continued, “The Center for History is thrilled that Becky approached us to partner with her in creating this vision and greatly appreciates the financial support given by Midwest Eye Consultants.”
The Center for History is located at 122 E. Main St., North Manchester. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Earlier this month, Becky Kock and her husband Mike finished the interactive mural on the exterior of the museum. The project was accomplished with support from the Kocks, Midwest Eye Consultants and the North Manchester Historical Society.
Kock has long been a fan of outdoor art and believes that “any municipality that supports community art naturally appears to be more prosperous and thriving.” While camping near Potato Creek last summer she saw a similar display and thought it would be a great addition to downtown North Manchester. Remembering the pedestrian alley adjacent to the Center for History an idea hatched. A conversation with CFH staff last winter led to a proposal to the board and the rest, as they say, is history, according to a news release from North Manchester Historical Society.
Becky is the artist in the family but she knew Mike could “drive a paint brush,” and adds that he has been a tremendous help with the project. Over the course of six weeks the couple toiled in the alleyway attracting many visitors and receiving lots of encouragement from the community, stated the release. Sometimes their dog, Otto, came along for the day and often received more attention than the Kocks – or the butterflies.
Kock retired from Rochester schools after teaching intermediate art for 32 years. Learning to paint murals under the guidance of Nancy Waggoner, the pair completed five large murals for the Rochester schools. She worked on perfecting her large scale art technique in the Manchester schools while painting sets for Marilyn Mason. Becky and Mike live in North Manchester but enjoy spending their winters in Texas – where they don’t draw straws to see who gets to shovel snow that day.
Center for History Director Laura Rager said, “This artwork has been a wonderful addition to the downtown community and has drawn many visitors young and old to the site.” Selfies, senior photos and family shots have been taken with the “Mariposas,” the Spanish word for butterflies. Rager continued, “The Center for History is thrilled that Becky approached us to partner with her in creating this vision and greatly appreciates the financial support given by Midwest Eye Consultants.”
The Center for History is located at 122 E. Main St., North Manchester. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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