After receiving initial seed funding from the North Barstow/Medical Business Improvement District earlier this spring, acclaimed area artist Joe Maurer’s next public art project – a roughly 2,000-square-foot mural – officially gained legs. Now, Maurer is calling for community support to really hit the ground running and bring it to life. 

The mural will span the 150-foot-long pedestrian tunnel located off 5th Avenue near Mayo Clinic (1221 Whipple St.) in Eau Claire. Along either side of the tunnel, the mural’s theme – “Dam builders of the Chippewa” – will feature the Blanding’s turtle, a native upland turtle, and a beaver with a half-built dam in the background. 

Maurer has launched a GoFundMe toward the mural project with a total fundraising goal of $10,000. The pricing breakdown includes 25% toward prep; 30% toward material; 40% toward labor; and a 5% artist fee. As of May 6, just over $4,300 had been raised.

Joe Maurer’s “Dam builders of the Chippewa” mural design, pictured. (Submitted)

The mural will be made of durable architectural mineral paint, “a permeable, strong, and beautiful material,” the GoFundMe notes. “While expensive, its lifespan is proven to last 20 years. The tunnel will be a brighter and happier place.” 

Maurer anticipates roughly three weeks of labor for four to five artists in order to bring the large mural to fruition, hopefully completing the project by the end of this summer. Plans also include wrapping the ends of the tunnel in colorful, sky-life hues, which Maurer is taking design feedback for online. 

View the GoFundMe online at gofundme.com/f/brighten-the-chippewa-trails-fund-joes-tunnel-mural.