By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
If you have been in the Northfield City Hall in the last few weeks, you may have noticed new art hanging on the walls. The art was done by local painter Mark Daehlin and features 16 bold, brightly colored portraits to celebrate the legacy of leaders who have shaped the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. “Freedom Road Heroes” honors their courage and invites reflection on the journey toward civil rights. Daehlin told KYMN that he had a vision for a painting of Abraham Lincoln, and after he started it, it inspired him to paint the rest of the series.
“[Harriet] Tubman and Frederick Douglass were probably the premier ones from the 19th century. But yeah, I’ve got people all the way up to recent times in the collection. So it’s focused primarily on those who have given their time and energy and some their lives for the cause of social justice.” – Local artist Mark Daehlin, KYMN News (Full interview to air on Monday, at 8:40am).
Director of Library Services Natalie Draper, who coordinates the art in City Hall, shared why she thought the exhibit was particularly powerful:
“I thought they were so beautiful. They’re so vibrant and colorful and, you know, celebratory. But also, I think the way that Mark brought in contemporary figures as well, like Bryan Stevenson showing that the work is ongoing. Right. The work to civil rights has not stopped in that recognizing living figures fighting for civil rights was really powerful to me.” – Director of Library Service Natalie Draper, KYMN News (Full interview to air on Monday, at 8:40am).
The exhibit is current on the main floor of City Hall and for those in line to the DMV or visiting other city offices, you walk past many of the paintings. Daehlin said that he hopes this painting can start more conversations:
“I’m hoping these will actually be a bridge that will help people to have the important conversations that we need these days around politics and people’s rights and minorities and such.” – Local artist Mark Daehlin, KYMN News (Full interview to air on Monday, at 8:40am).
A reception for Freedom Road Heros is being held next Tuesday, February 18th at 5pm, in the Northfield City Hall. The opening reception offers an opportunity to meet the artist and explore the stories behind the portraits. The event is free and open to the public.
You can hear KYMN’s full conversation with Daehlin and Draper, Monday at 8:40am or wherever you get your podcasts.
Newscasts on KYMN air on weekdays at 6am, 7am, 8:30am, Noon, 3pm, and 5pm. If you miss it live you can subscribe on your preferred podcast app:
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