The town hall in Lemberg, Sask., is getting a new paint job because of local farmer Brian Acton.
Acton was reading a magazine when he saw an entry form for a contest to win a rural mural for his town. He sent it in and won.
He has seen the town of Chemainus, B.C., which turned into a tourist attraction when it painted murals over most of the town’s business buildings.
“I thought it would be neat to win,” Acton said.
After Thanksgiving, a mural artist will take two weeks to paint the scene of a runner passing by canola fields and elevators on the side of the town hall. Town administrator Joyce Hauck said the scene will be 12 metres long and about three m high. Hauck said she was told it should last at least five years on the stucco wall.
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“I think it’s going to be beautiful … a conversation piece.”
Agricultural chemical company BASF received 1,200 entries for this first-time contest in Western Canada.
Besides the mural, Acton also won an original painting of his farm and $5,000 for the local charity of his choice. In his case it will be three charities: the First Responders and fire brigade; a scholarship at the local school for students pursuing agricultural studies; and contributions to a church fund that assists families in medical or other crises.