MANSFIELD, Ohio — To demonstrate how public arts could stimulate Mansfield’s economy, the Renaissance Theatre is hosting a free screening of “Beyond These Walls: Building Community Through Public Art” on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
The documentary chronicles Portsmouth, Ohio’s efforts to create a mural on a 2,200 foot section of a floodplain wall — one that was described as “drab” and “prison-like.” The visionaries of the mural believed it could stimulate economic growth for the town. The film first premiered in 2013, but the idea for painting a mural on the wall began in 1992.
Llalan Fowler, a member of the theater’s board of trustees, presented the idea of screening the film at the theater to the board earlier in 2015. She agrees with the documentary’s sentiments.
“I didn’t know too much about Portsmouth, but it’s much like Mansfield,” said Fowler. “Both cities kind of lost their identities when the heavy industries left. I think that these murals renewed a sense of pride in their history and identity.
“Pride in one’s own town has incredible power and can and did manifest itself in cultural and economic growth. The film shows what public art can do and especially that just thinking creatively about our future can make a huge difference.”
Fowler hopes the screening attracts youth and investors.
“I’d love to get investors in there to see that this is a viable economic investment. It really does help improve the town, it’s not just about making things look pretty,” she said with a laugh. “We also need young people to come, people who have the energy to make this happen.”
Mansfield resident Luke Beekman is leading organizer for a mural initiative in the area. Through his efforts with local businesses and artists, the Harmony House wall mural and Harmony House playground mural came to fruition. He is currently working to create additional murals around town in the next year.
“I want to be able to connect a variety of talented artists in our community, and generous business sponsors, with viable beautification projects in Mansfield,” said Beekman.
Artist and Mansfield resident Julie Elkins said she enjoyed bringing beauty to the city through the mural she painted at the Harmony House.
“I liked spending time up there with people, just seeing what their needs were, and putting smiles on their faces,” said Elkins.
Renaissance Theatre CEO/President Mike Miller hopes the screening attracts the mayoral candidates.
“It’d be interesting to see going in the mayoral debate — maybe this is a question for how both candidates view arts as far as economic development,” said Miller.
Miller also hopes the free event will help reinforce in the community’s mind that the theater is a place to present their causes for the edification of downtown Mansfield.
“People should think of the Renaissance as their community platform,” said Miller. “We’d love to have so many people that we’d have to turn them down, a waiting list, so to speak. We welcome anything for the betterment of Mansfield as a whole.”
For more information on the documentary, visit their website. For more information on Mansfield’s Mural Initiative, visit their website.
