By STEPHANIE BUNKER
Moapa Valley Progress
The Old Logandale School will soon be the home of a work of art that represents the history of the Moapa Valley and the sacrifice of the hard working people who first settled here. Local artist, Heidi Leavitt, has been commissioned by the Old Logandale School Historical and Cultural Society (OLSHACS) to create a large mural that will be 8’x 40’ to hang within the historic walls of the museum.
The mural is to have the theme, “History of Moapa Valley.” Leavitt has much of the mural designed. But there are still a few gaps that she would like to fill with stories of people who settled the area. She is calling for area residents to submit ideas for those spaces.
“I have been working on a design plan for several months now,” the artist said in an email last week. “I have poured over the census reports found in the back of Beezy’s book. [Moapa Valley Reflections by Beezy Tobiasson]. I have looked up, and have been told, some great stories about these special people, but I would like a few more.”
Anyone who has a story to tell about their ancestors or a special story about Moapa Valley settlers can email Heidi at heidi@lcturbonet.com.
OLSHACS Director Robin Maughan explained that the work is to be a transitioning mural with emphasis on the history. “It will be mostly settlers coming and turning the desert into farm land and homes,” Maughan said. “It’s the story of the struggles and successes in the area.”
Leavitt continued in her email, “If your family settled in the Moapa Valley area in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, and you have a story that is special to your family about a hardship or joy they experienced as they settled here, I would love to hear it! I may be able to work it into the mural! What a special way to mark their memory.”
Leavitt originally conceived the idea for the mural in a Clark County contest for a similar mural being installed at the Overton Community Center. Her work was selected to be in the top three picked. But Leavitt was not chosen as the finalist.
“I can’t imagine having to choose between all of the beautiful paintings that were done,” Maughan said.
Lucky for the Old Logandale School, Leavitt’s conception was not chosen. Maughan explained that Leavitt’s grandfather loved her design so much he wanted to see it installed somewhere. So they contacted OLSHACS about it.
“I am really excited she contacted us and we get to have her artwork here,” said Maughan.
Maughan also explained that it will not be painted directly onto the wall but will be a painting on panels which will be installed on the walls of the museum.
The next step was to find a place inside the building that would be fitting for the mural. Maughan said that they wanted to find a place that wouldn’t be in the way of decorating for special events but still in a place that could be easily seen. After walking through the building, they found the perfect place in the auditorium on the East wall above the entry doors.
When the mural is completed in a few months time there will be an Open House to unveil the masterpiece. Keep an eye on the PROGRESS for date and time.
