Ribbon Cutting for Mural for Manchester Fish Hatchery

A ribbon cutting is being held today for a mural at the Manchester Fish Hatchery.

The Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority through an Iowa DNR watershed planning grant, enlisted the help of the University of Iowa’s Initiative for Sustainable Communities program to create the mural spanning three sides of the water tower. 

The newly-formed Friends of the Manchester Fish Hatchery Group helped fund a portion of the project.

The original seven large panels were painted by two University of Iowa art students. The panels were painted inside the college’s art building to minimize any outside disturbances over the summer. Then they brought it to the hatchery to be stored while the water tower was being prepped for the installation last fall. 

The mural features a detailed outline of the entire Maquoketa River watershed, a scene of a local stream, and an area for visitors to take a ‘selfie’.

The partners and hatchery plan to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony today at 11 am to share the new public art with the community.

photos courtesy of Maquoketa River WMA