An artist’s mockup shows what a new mural will look like outside the city administration’s annex building in downtown Fayetteville. (Kristin Loman and Paige Dirksen/Courtesy City of Fayetteville)

FAYETTEVILLE — The city administration’s annex on Rock Street will soon have a colorful depiction of the outdoors for visitors to see as they walk in.

Regional artists Kristin Loman and Paige Dirksen will begin work next week on a mural celebrating the beauty and vitality of the city’s parks, according to a news release from the city. The city’s Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs department is located in the annex.

The building once served as home to the city’s Police Department until a new police headquarters opened in 2023. Parks staff moved in from its former office near the city’s recycling dropoff site on South Happy Hollow Road.

Loman and Dirksen were selected through a competitive process of nearly 80 applications, the release says. A committee comprised of city staff and members of the Fayetteville Arts Council and Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs Advisory board selected the artists.

The selection showcases the variety of parks, natural areas and outdoor recreational spirit of Fayetteville, reflecting the city’s commitment to quality of life through parks and public art, said Joanna Sheehan Bell, the city’s arts and culture director.

Loman, a graphic designer and illustrator, began her career in Arkansas, refining her skills in graphic design and marketing, according to the release. Inspired by her love for the outdoors, Loman transitioned to a local screen-printing business, where she channels her passion for hiking, biking and exploring into Ozark-inspired illustrations that celebrate nature’s beauty, the release says.

Dirksen, a printmaker and muralist based in Bella Vista, has a background in studio art and art therapy counseling, according to the release. Originally from Iowa, she earned bachelor’s degrees in studio art and psychology from the University of Northern Iowa, as well as a master of arts degree in art therapy counseling from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. While she primarily works with woodcuts and printmaking, Dirksen enjoys experimenting with various artistic media, the release says.

The mural will be located at the annex entrance facing the downtown square. It will be about 28 feet wide, 16.5-18 feet tall and approximately 504 square feet.

The artists will be paid $20,000 for their work.

For more information, go to: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4417/Call-for-Artists–Rock-Street-Annex-Mura.