Walldogs invasion would be welcome

THE WALLDOGS ARE COMING to Plymouth!

That sounds like it could be a promotion for a rock concert. But, while these Walldogs promise to rock Plymouth, what they’ll be bringing to the city in 2011 is another kind of art, mural art to be exact.

The Downtown Revitalization Committee has received a commitment from the international professional artists group to come to Plymouth for five days in 2011, June 22-26, to paint 15 historic-themed murals on various walls in downtown Plymouth in a virtual wall mural blitz.

The group has done similar efforts across the country and in other countries as well, and it is indeed an honor for them to come to Plymouth and grace our downtown with their efforts.

The Downtown Revitalization Committee, with the support and cooperation of the city, the Plymouth Historical Society, Thrivent Financial and others, has already spearheaded the painting of two murals in downtown — the Interurban Car No. 26 mural at the corner of Smith and Mill streets and the latest, the Cream of Wheat Flour wall advertisement on the side of the Plymouth Historical Society museum building.

The plan originally was to paint one mural every two years, allowing time to raise funds and coordinate each project. But the unique opportunity to host the Walldogs will greatly accelerate that timetable and greatly enhance the beauty and attraction of downtown Plymouth.

But it won’t be an easy task. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed to fill as many as 35 committees to oversee various aspects of the effort, including housing, transportation, equipment, preparing walls, selecting mural subjects, auctions, fund raising and much, much more. Financial support will also be needed for the project.

At first glance, it appears to be a daunting challenge, and indeed it is. But the city has proven itself up to such challenges in the past — for instance, hosting the Santa Steam Train two years in a row.

The final result will be well worth the time, effort and energy that needs to be invested.

The two murals that have been completed in downtown Plymouth already are bringing attention to the city. Visitors stop to take in the spectacular artwork, have their pictures taken by them and, most importantly, they go back home and tell their family, friends and neighbors about Plymouth’s attractive downtown murals, enticing them to visit the city and enjoy all of our attractions.

So, bring on the Walldogs!

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