Holm mural taking shape
Holm mural taking shape
Supporters aim for May 13 unveiling
MOSES LAKE — Some parts of the Monte Holm mural look just about ready to tell you that he's never had a bad day in his life.
That's the typical response when one asks the longtime Moses Lake businessman, 89, how he's doing.
But come May 13, when Holm will turn 90, there's going to be one heck of a birthday present. And it's big enough to fit on the size of, oh, say, a post office wall.
That's also the projected date for the unveiling of the mural by muralist Patricia Jensen, which depicts various aspects of Holm's life — as a 2-year-old, as a sheepherder, a steam engine worker, a hobo raiding the rails during the Great Depression and Holm today — presently being painted.
Jensen said the mural, which she began working on about March 10, is proceeding quicker than normal, and said maybe that's because she has been working in a secluded area and is not dealing with weather issues.
"I can come and go, I can work until real late at night and still have light," she said. "That's a real good plus, and so I have more control over my environment, and that makes it work real smoother."
The mural is about 16 feet by 24 feet. On Thursday at 5 p.m., a group will erect the structure that will frame the mural in its future home on the side of the wall of the Moses Lake Post Office looking out onto Sinkiuse Square.
"I want people to know that this is a celebration of a man that is very important," Jensen said. "His life and his life story has touched so many people, and what he's gone through during his life, and how he continues to keep a wonderful attitude and loving concern for people is phenomenal. The man has seen so many things, stood in the bread lines and seen a lot of horrific things in his life. It has not marred or tarnished his view on the world."
Mural supporter and resident businessman Bill Chambers said the mural will be unique, but also a start of murals throughout town to commemorate the history and background of many of the area's leading citizens.
Chambers and the Moses Lake Business Association are still seeking support for the mural project, estimating the amount of funding necessary will total more than $13,000.
"A lot of the people are, I guess they're just waiting to see that we've finally got a site and we've finally got a solid direction," he said. "But funds are coming in. The best opportunity is the B&O tax incentive, which gives you a leverage of three times your money."
The MLBA qualified for the state department of revenue's Main Street Tax Credit Incentive program in December. With prior approval of the Washington Department of Revenue via E-File, a company may donate up to $100,000 for revitalization of downtown Moses Lake and receive a 75 percent tax credit on 2007 business and occupation taxes.
MLBA executive director Sally Goodwin said some donations have come in earmarked for the mural project.
Holm declined to comment, but his daughter Karen Rimple said she stopped by to see Jensen's mural last week.
"I think it's great," Rimple said. "She's done a wonderful job. It's very impressive."
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