Debbie Croft: New mural and soulful music

When driving in to Mariposa from the south end of town, visitors and residents have been greeted now for a couple years by a large blank wall on the Pizza Factory building. Last fall, Ron Willey, owner of the Pizza Factory, asked Donna Brownell and the Mariposa County Arts Council to facilitate the painting of a mural.

"Ever since the building collapsed (the adjoining Trabuco Warehouse), there was this blank wall, and I started thinking about what could be done with it," said Ron. "I'm a small art collector. I enjoy art and dabble in it a little, so I talked to Donna about the idea of using that space for some kind of art work. She found the artist, Colleen Goodwin-Chronister, and my hat's off to Donna, the arts council, and of course, to Colleen."

At 16 feet tall and 32 feet wide, the mural depicts historic and local images with representational flags. Donna said, "On a busy highway, where motorists have three seconds to look, it had to be simple." She continued, "I think it says, 'This is Mariposa with all of its grandeur -- Welcome'."

Debbie Croft -

Ron is actually more than pleased with the final result. "This is my way of giving something from Pizza Factory and myself to the community. The mural is grander than I even imagined. I'm very grateful."

This evening at the Mariposa County Arts Park a dedication of the mural will be held, along with the last performance of this summer's Mariposa Evenings series. Although the occasion is special, dress is always casual at these events.

Tonight's performers will be Mike Hammar and the Nails, an entertaining blues act from the San Joaquin Valley. Mike is well-known in Mariposa, having spent his childhood here. His great-grandfather, Archie Leonard was one of the first Yosemite Rangers, and had the honor of escorting Teddy Roosevelt around Yosemite before it became a National Park. And Mike Hammar Sr. is the individual the Mariposa Indian Clinic was dedicated to.

Other musicians on the program are Mariposa's own Allan Carroll on the organ, "Harmonica Jim" Pedersen on the harp, drummer Greg Merino, and bassist Sparky Gehres -- all making up the rhythm section.

Donations by local businesses keep the entertainment free of charge. Musicians donate their performances, but tips are appreciated. The National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council also contribute funds.

The program begins at 7 p.m. with the dedication at 7:30 p.m. Guests should bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Parking is available on Fifth Street.

More information is available at the Arts Council Web site: arts-mariposa.org, or by telephone at (209) 966-3155.

Because of one man's love of art, and another man's love of music (Cousin Jack -- but more about him another time), tonight's event will celebrate the commitment, dedication and collaboration that makes such a memorable evening possible.

Debbie Croft writes about life in the foothill communities. She can be reached at composed@cwo.com.