By Allyson Joy

Today begins the undertaking of the Mural Restoration Project in Heritage Walkway. The murals were originally painted in the mid-1970s by the Artesia Junior Women’s Club. Overseen by local artist and teacher, Helen Mapes, along with the help of some of her students, these Artesians collaborated to create these paintings that we still enjoy today.

The first restoration touchup was done in the mid-1980s and a second one conducted in the early-2000s. Restorations are no simple endeavor as there is much preparation required before painting can even begin. From patching cracks to cleaning walls to removing loose paint, many hours of labor are invested before a paint brush even comes on the scene. 

Overseen by the Artesia Arts & Cultural District and ACD coordinator Nancy Dunn, this current project is grant funded. Local artist Kirsten Mauritsen is the talent behind the scenes, sharing her gifts as she brushes new life into these murals. Over the next several weeks the transformation of the walls in Heritage Walkway will take place, leaving us with even brighter scenes to appreciate for years to come!