Prado Dam Mural Reborn in 2023!
Welcome back to our joyous final update on the Prado Dam Mural restoration in 2023. If you hadn’t heard yet, we at One Way Painting, were entrusted with the incredible honor of restoring the Prado Dam Mural. What started as an ambitious endeavor, has now been transformed into a vibrant testimony of resilience and unity. As we close this chapter, filled with triumph and transformation, we invite you to celebrate this remarkable moment with us!
America’s Reflection in the Liberty Bell
In our mural, the iconic Liberty Bell emerges not just as a symbol of unity, but as a representation of our nation’s resilience. With this addition to the mural, Ron Kammeyer and Perry Schaefer infused the mural with an extra layer of meaning. Its crack, often seen as a flaw, serves as a powerful reminder that our country, too, has faced challenges and imperfections throughout its journey. Yet, it is through the presence of these cracks that the true strength and enduring spirit of our nation are revealed.
Perry Schaefer, mural co-designer, encapsulated this sentiment:
“We chose the freedom Liberty Bell because it best symbolized our country. This country is not perfect and it has cracks, but the freedom it symbolized is important.”
Perry Schaefer, Mural Co-Designer
The Liberty Bell holds a significant place in American history, and this addition on the mural carries with it a symbolic representation of the perseverance of our country in pursuit of freedom. Its crack, often seen as a flaw, serves as a powerful reminder that our country, too, has faced challenges and imperfections throughout its journey. Yet, it is through the presence of these cracks that the true strength of our nation are revealed.
The Culmination of Our Efforts
After weeks of dedicated efforts, we now stand at the brink of completing the Prado Dam Mural restoration on May 9, 2023. As we near the end, we reflect on the transformative journey we’ve taken so far.
Recap of Our Journey So Far
With 23 days of intricate work behind, we only have one day remaining. Here’s a recap of what we’ve accomplished so far:
- (2 Days) Surveying the Vintage Mural in late 2022
- After that, our part in the restoration was put on hold for several months while lead abatement took place.
- (8 Days) Restoring ‘200 YEARS OF FREEDOM’ between April 3rd and April 12th, 2023
- (3 Days) Reviving the Liberty Bell, without its crack over 3 days between April 13th and April 17th, 2023
- (5 Days) Resurrecting the years 1776-1976 between April 18th and April 24th, 2023
- (5 Days) Applying a Second Coat of Paint between April 25th, 2023 and May 8th, 2023. This marked day 23 of our project on Monday, May 8th.
The Final Touches
Before unveiling our iconic finale, there was still some work left to do. On May 9th, 2023, we honed in on the mural’s red and blue elements, paying close attention to perfecting the nuances. We meticulously refined the mural’s red and blue elements, ensuring vibrancy and precision. We wanted to make sure that every part of the mural was absolutely flawless.
Cracking the Liberty Bell: An Emblematic Finale
The crowning glory of this restoration, marking the culmination of our efforts, was the cracking of the Liberty Bell. Jeff and Jim McCabe had the distinguished honor of etching this symbolic feature onto the Prado Dam Mural on May 9, 2023.
As a symbolic moment, we intentionally saved this special touch for last. This momentous event not only signifies the grand finale but also the realization of the community’s shared vision.
As the Liberty Bell’s crack found its place on the mural, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment pervaded the atmosphere. The significance of this moment was not lost on us. It was more than a symbolic act; it represented the culmination of our labor, the tireless efforts of the restoration team, and the unwavering support of the community.
The Revival of Prado Dam’s Mural in 2023
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! With great pride, we announce that the Bicentennial Freedom Mural at Prado Dam has been rekindled in 2023. Witnessing the Prado Dam Mural, once faded and weathered, now restored to its full grandeur in 2023, filled us with pride.
A Journey to Remember
From our initial steps at the Prado Dam surveying the vintage mural to its final touches, the expedition of the Prado Dam Mural restoration has been nothing short of remarkable. Rooted in a decades-long communal drive, the continuous spirit of collaboration and unity has been the cornerstone of this restoration.
The journey has been long, filled with challenges and triumphs, but together, we have breathed new life into this beautiful artwork. Throughout this restoration project, we’ve witnessed the same spirit of collaboration and unity that brought the original mural to life. The collective effort, dedication, and passion of everyone involved have been inspiring. Through our collective efforts, we have preserved its legacy for generations to come.
To Our Pillars of Strength
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our community for their steadfast support throughout the Prado Dam Mural restoration in 2023. The enthusiasm and belief shared by everyone have been the catalysts for our project. Contributing to something as special as this restoration is a privilege we don’t take lightly, and the overwhelming support from all of you has meant the world to us. It has been instrumental in making this restoration a resounding success. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. We look forward to the legacy that this restored mural will leave for future generations.
Thanking Our Paint Donors: Dunn Edwards & Rust-Oleum
A huge shoutout to Dunn Edwards and Rust-Oleum for donating all the paints for this restoration. In total, they provided 500 gallons of paint to bring back this beloved mural. We couldn’t have done it without them and are beyond grateful for their contributions.
Conclusion
The Prado Dam Mural 2023 restoration stands as a beacon of hope, dedication, and communal unity. The symbolic crack on the Liberty Bell, etched with care by Jeff and Jim McCabe, beautifully culminates our journey, echoing the indefatigable spirit of our nation and the people who cherish it. Together, we have revived a piece of history, preserving its legacy for future generations to cherish.
