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Contact: Patti Marsicano Delavan Walldogs Committee

262.745.9473 Marsicano@charter.net

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traveling artist group to celebrate Delavan’s history with large-scale murals - Transforming downtown buildings during five-day mural painting marathon -

DELAVAN, Wis. (May 20, 2014) – Delavan is looking ahead with excitement to the 2015 Delavan Walldogs Event, a five-day painting marathon that will create nostalgic murals on various buildings strategically selected throughout Delavan and the surrounding area from June 24 through 28, 2015. Out-of-town artists and members of the local community will pool efforts to produce 18 murals, each celebrating a different piece of Delavan’s history and adding artistic flair to the area. The Walldogs are an international group of sign painters, graphic artists and other talented individuals who reunite annually to entertain and transform a selected community with their special brand of artistic interpretation. They have piggybacked on the tradition of old mural painters, using the same techniques, colors and designs to create murals that capture local nostalgia and historical significance. For 2015, the group will take over downtown Delavan and transform exterior wall spaces with vibrant scenes. The 2015 artist takeover will not only enhance Delavan’s aesthetic appeal, but also serve as a tourism boost and catalyst for building improvements. Before this can happen, the Walldogs must work with Delavan business owners and residents to determine sites for the sprawling masterpieces. Lake Lawn Resort has already signed on as “Top Dog Sponsor” to support the movement. “This is a great chance for local businesses to show their commitment to the community, support historically meaningful art and in turn make their buildings a sight to see,” said Dave Sekeres, general manager of Lake Lawn Resort. Laura Welch, owner of downtown Delavan’s Brick Street Market and current president of the Downtown Business Association of Delavan, is very excited about the upcoming event week. “The impact on the city and surrounding area will be a long-lasting welcome for people visiting our historic downtown area,” said Welch. The painting event itself will draw interest and customers to area businesses, and the resulting murals will bring visitors to the area year round. In addition to business involvement, residents of Delavan can join the efforts by volunteering for different Team Delavan Walldogs committees. To learn more about the Delavan Walldogs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.delavanwalldogs.com, or call Patti Marsicano at 262.745.9473 or Jackie Busch at 262.728.5095.

The Delavan Walldogs are sponsored by several individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to making this positive impact on the community. Currently, sponsors include the Delavan Historic Foundation, Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, DBA of Delavan, Friends of Phoenix Bandshell and Lake Lawn Resort.