State of Iowa Helps Manchester Celebrate Newest Mural

Manchester – and State of Iowa – came together to celebrate the community’s newest mural on Wednesday.

This past summer, a large landscape mural spanning three stories was painted on the south side of Honey Creek Furniture along East Fayette Street in downtown Manchester. Stephanie Fangman says Manchester Vitality Endowment wanted to bring another mural to town after completing a small one last year at Bushel & A Peck – and a grant opportunity helped make it a reality.

Iowa City artist Thomas Agran spent five days painting the mural. It’s a nature scene inspired by a visit to Spring Branch Creek in Delaware County.

The owner of Honey Creek Furniture, Sam Milroy, says he hears all the time from people who love the mural.

Among those impressed was the director of Iowa Economic Development Authority, Debbie Durham, who was in Manchester for Wednesday’s celebration.

Durham says Manchester was one of the first towns to be selected for a grant through the Iowans Who Create Community Murals Program, with Cascade, Knoxville and Washington also chosen. And your community could be next.

Fangman says a mural can benefit the community in several ways.

As of right now, there are no immediate plans for another mural in Manchester – but Fangman says they’re always open to ideas.

If you have a suggestion for a mural design or location, feel free to reach out to Manchester Vitality Endowment through their Facebook page. 

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH