The Spring Street parking garage mural project started the installation phase under the artistic guidance of Molly Strong. The community was invited to a city paint day Saturday, providing local residents the chance to be a part of an art project that will be featured downtown. P-J photo by Timothy Frudd

The first stage of the installation of the Spring Street mural began Saturday, marking the next phase of the beautification project in the city.

The mural is set to be featured on the ground floor of the south stairwell exterior of the Spring Street parking garage.

The city held a community paint day Saturday under the leadership of Molly Strong, the artist selected for the design of the mural, to lay the groundwork for her flowery design for the mural.

Ellen Shadle said engaging the community in the project is an important aspect of the city’s plan for the mural.

“The importance of the community being involved is to foster a culture of connection, inclusiveness, and ownership,” she said. “These qualities contribute to community cohesion as well as both personal and economic investment to downtown.”

Shadle said the participation by the community not only helps with the practical function of installing the mural faster and easier, but it also gives local residents the opportunity to be directly involved with the project and have a sense of fulfillment.

Shadle believes the new mural will offer an opportunity for the community to come together in a unique way through art.

“I am hopeful that the community will feel similarly and take advantage of this opportunity,” she said. “The presence of art is linked to increased neighborhood livability, community identity, and social well-being. The benefits of participating in the creation of art are inextricably linked to the informal education and empowerment of the community, and to a sense of pride.”