A shimmering new public mural will go a long way in cementing Dansville's legacy as the community where Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.
Artists Melissa Stratton Pandina and Gabriela Sepulveda recently completed the Clara Barton mural on the south-facing wall of 170 Main St. in the Livingston County village.
In the sprawling, colorful tableau, Barton shines light from a lantern alongside her quote, "It must never be forgotten that Dansville was the first child of the American Red Cross."
Barton founded the first American Red Cross chapter in Dansville on May 21, 1881, also serving as its president. The Chapter 1 House is just steps away from the mural, on Ossian and Elizabeth streets.
Dansville ArtWorks was the project manager for the mural. In addition to Barton's portrait and her famous quotation, the cultural organization asked the artists to include Barton's home by the Castle on the Hill. Barton called it her country home, a place to relax. The house no longer exists.
The mural features a blue quilt pattern and a campfire scene along a bottom section. Barton served as a nurse during the Civil War and collected medical supplies for Union soldiers.
Social media reactions have described the mural as "gorgeous," "perfect for the community," and "powerful."
“It's awesome. It is more than we ever could have imagined,” said Julie Acomb, chairperson of the Dansville ArtWorks Mural Committee.
Both Pandina and Sepulveda. are from Massachusetts. Pandina lives and makes her studio in Westborough, Mass. but has family ties to Dansville.
They began the project on June 24 and the mural was finished around July 11. Over approximately 18 days, Pandina and Sepulveda painted a picture of Dansville's historic moment while leaving lasting impressions of their talent and spirit.
“We are sad to see these two phenomenal women leave," Dansville ArtWorks said in a Facebook post. "They’ve brought so much light and energy to our community. Thank you, Melissa and Gabriela, for sharing your talent with Dansville.”
A LivCo First Impressions Village Edition grant authored by Dansville ArtWorks and awarded to the village of Dansville drove the project. Additional support came from Jane Schryver, a Community Arts Grant from the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, and Dansville ArtWorks' funds.
Clara Barton Mural dedication set for Aug. 10
A dedication ceremony for the mural will take place at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 10 at the site of the artwork.
Immediately following the ceremony, Dansville ArtWorks will host a dedication celebration and its 10th anniversary party at the event space at 170 Main St.
The dedication coincides with Second Saturday Dansville, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the downtown area. Businesses, vendors and nonprofits participate in this Heritage Day-themed event.
Clara Barton reenactor Sheryl Faye will star in two free performances sponsored by the Dansville Chamber of Commerce. Shows are at noon at Star Theatre and at 3 p.m. at Lutheran Church.
These events are free and open to the public.
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