JCCF Community Painting Day

Book Barn Murals

JCPL and JCCF invite you to participate in the Color the County Mural Program. No artistic talent is necessary. All are welcome to participate. Painting supplies and refreshments are provided.

The story behind the art:

In fall 2021 JCPL's Graphic Designer Amy Kitchen asked the JCPL administration if they would consider putting a mural on the "Book Barn" at the Franklin Branch Library property. She and her friend, Merilee Allen, the Friends of JCPL book sale coordinator, asked for the mural together. JCPL reached out to JCCF to learn more about the Color the County Mural Program. Amy was passionate about design and art, and as JCPL's graphic designer for 33 years, JCPL was heartbroken when she died in October 2022. At that time, the JCPL Book Barn mural was already in the works with JCCF.

Amy’s vision for the Book Barn was that it would become the destination photo spot. Amy wanted the mural to appeal to a wide variety of people of all ages and encourage the enjoyment of different types of art. She wanted the art to draw in locals and tourists; to welcome people and encourage exploration of the area. The designs selected should certainly deliver on Amy’s dream!

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to make Amy's dream come true. We think she would have been over the moon with delight at the designs selected,” said Lisa Lintner, JCPL.

JCCF established the Color the County Mural Program in 2016 to celebrate its 25th Anniversary and has since painted 12 murals across the county. Color the County joins the community and artists through the collaborative process of mural-making to create powerful artworks in Johnson County. For more information visit www.jccf.org/mural-program.