MONROE/NIAGARA - Monroe artist Suzanne Miller recently returned to her hometown of Niagara to create a commemorative art piece to celebrate the city's centennial.
The centennial celebration was held over a four-day period from June 26-29. During that time, Miller painted a mural on a 7- by 8-foot canvas as the festival goers observed. At times, the park was filled with an estimated 9,000 people.
The mural is a history of the town depicting its roots in the logging and papermaking industry. It shows the scenic bluffs that border the Menominee river that flows along the edge of the city, the school mascot of the Niagara badger, as well as the old water tower, the new city hall and the Niagara welcome sign.
Miller returned to her hometown a few days before the festival to assemble the large frame, stretch the canvas, and paint it with three layers of primer. The composition was sketched out freehand and painted in 46 hours over the course of four days.
Miller left Niagara 28 years ago. She has painted many murals in the Monroe area.
"I have painted so many murals in the Monroe area and have always felt bad about never returning to my hometown to share all of the skills I have learned through the years," Miller said. "This was my opportunity to give back to the town."
On the final day of the celebration, the painting was presented to the town on the festival's main stage by mayor George Bousley and Miller. The canvas was then carried to the city hall and will be hung in a place of honor.
Miller's murals and artwork can be found in many homes and businesses throughout the area including, the Monroe Public Library, Monroe Clinic, Monroe Theatre Guild, University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital and Gio's Garden, Middleton. Miller creates and sells her artwork at her business, Green Chicks Studio and Gallery.
The centennial celebration was held over a four-day period from June 26-29. During that time, Miller painted a mural on a 7- by 8-foot canvas as the festival goers observed. At times, the park was filled with an estimated 9,000 people.
The mural is a history of the town depicting its roots in the logging and papermaking industry. It shows the scenic bluffs that border the Menominee river that flows along the edge of the city, the school mascot of the Niagara badger, as well as the old water tower, the new city hall and the Niagara welcome sign.
Miller returned to her hometown a few days before the festival to assemble the large frame, stretch the canvas, and paint it with three layers of primer. The composition was sketched out freehand and painted in 46 hours over the course of four days.
Miller left Niagara 28 years ago. She has painted many murals in the Monroe area.
"I have painted so many murals in the Monroe area and have always felt bad about never returning to my hometown to share all of the skills I have learned through the years," Miller said. "This was my opportunity to give back to the town."
On the final day of the celebration, the painting was presented to the town on the festival's main stage by mayor George Bousley and Miller. The canvas was then carried to the city hall and will be hung in a place of honor.
Miller's murals and artwork can be found in many homes and businesses throughout the area including, the Monroe Public Library, Monroe Clinic, Monroe Theatre Guild, University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospital and Gio's Garden, Middleton. Miller creates and sells her artwork at her business, Green Chicks Studio and Gallery.
