By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The city of Ellis is looking vibrant with its new mural on the south side of city hall.
The mural at 815 Jefferson St. was created by Mindy Allen, the artist behind the business Mindy's Murals, and several other works across the state.
"What's so inspiring about exterior murals is thousands of people will see it," Allen said.
Allen has been painting murals for 12 years, starting with interior murals for children's rooms and businesses throughout western Kansas.
After moving to Junction City in 2020, she shifted her focus to primarily exterior murals, which she finds more rewarding because of public visibility.
"It reaches so many people in different ways, and that's what I love so much about the exterior ones," she said.
The mural in Ellis highlights historical and cultural elements, showcasing prominent buildings, the city's name and its incorporation date.
Sunflowers are scattered throughout, while the right side features the Bukovina Society of the Americas Museum and the Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home Museum.
Allen said murals in rural communities uplift morale and instill a sense of pride.
"Adding color and art to a community sends out positive feelings and messages. Sometimes they're informative about the community," she said.
Allen has painted murals in Wakeney, Abilene, Inman, Salina, Junction City, Manhattan and even South Dakota.
Allen grew up in western Kansas and said smaller communities have recently started turning to public art to represent their identities
"I always want to get across to people how important art is in a community, whether it's murals or sculptures. It shows the originality of your community and what your community is all about," Allen said.
Allen said she draws inspiration from fellow artists she discovers on social media who share their creations.
You can follow Mindy's Murals on Facebook.