Main Street Monroe unveils new mural

Goals of project are to have this be an investment in place making, improved aesthetics, and community pride

Main Street Monroe’s newest mural can be found on bob Snyder’s property that shares the 11th Street parking lot with the west side of the Square.

main street mural — Main Street Monroe’s newest mural can be found on bob Snyder’s property that shares the 11th Street parking lot with the west side of the Square.

MONROE — Inspired by the rolling farmlands of Green County, Main Street Monroe’s newest mural recognizes the unique heritage of the region as viewed by artist Terri Hallman. Hallman was hired by Main Street to create a unique piece of art that would reflect the area. Hallman is a native of Winslow, IL who has built a career as an artist with pieces, including wood sculptures, being sold as far away as Palm Springs, CA and London, United Kingdom. Main Street Monroe first began talking to Hallman over two years ago.

Jordan Nordby, Executive Director, explains that she had been on their artist “wish list” since Main Street first started discussing murals in 2017. “We’re fortunate that Teri still has ties to the region and was willing to undertake this project. This is our fourth mural since 2018 and I’m proud of the fact that we’ve been able to have them all created by artists with ties to the community. We really gave her free reign on the design because her creativity and unique use of colors and imagery is exactly what we wanted,” Nordby said.

The entire mural is 12’ tall by 24’ wide. It is actually two murals framed separately. The framing was done by Truhome following Hallman’s directions. The design itself has characterful roosters dominating the abstract landscape scene with intricate patterns and swirls for movement. Hallman’s design beautifully blends farming heritage with artistic expression.

Artist Terri Hallman applies the final sealant for the back of the boards on her new mural.

main street mural hallman — Artist Terri Hallman applies the final sealant for the back of the boards on her new mural.

The mural is located on Bob Snyder’s property that shares the 11th street public parking lot with the west side of the square. Nordby says that the location was chosen because it is just visible as people are entering the downtown from the north side. He also notes that the district goes far beyond the square and this helps visitors recognize that. It’s specifically located off the northwest corner of the square behind Monroe Antique Mall.

Materials were sourced from Buehler Interiors (located within the Main Street district), and installation and framing were done by TruHome, which donated nearly all of its time to the project. The entire project was underwritten by the Forrest and Mildred Kubly Fund through the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin which was established in 2012 to help with downtown Monroe initiatives related to Main Street. Shelley Muranyi, whose parents the trust was named in honor of, is “proud to support Main Street Monroe and wowed by the beauty and size of this wonderful art piece.”

Main Street’s volunteer run committee is already planning additional murals in 2021. “This one took us a bit longer than expected, but we are thrilled with it and how it’s being received so far. Public art emerges as an artistic space for cultural expression in the everyday and we want to continue that when and where it’s appropriate,” Nordby explains. He also emphasized the work that went into creating this. “We have our volunteer steering committee, we worked with the artist, the property owner, the sponsor, Buehler Interior who transported and supplied boards, and then TruHome. We’re sort of eternally grateful to all of them. From their ingenuity to generosity, it took a lot to bring it all together, but, man, is it worth it. The goal is that 20 plus years from now people will still be enjoying the mural.”

Main Street Monroe, Inc. is celebrating its 15th year and is a 501(c)3 volunteer driven not for profit. Complete details on this and all of its murals may be found at