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Chappell Roan’s mural could be in Springfield, but it needs a location

Chappell Roan’s mural could be in Springfield, but it needs a location

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A Hollister mural seeks to commemorate the authenticity of a hometown pop star.

Christine Riutzel of Hollister is interested in painting a mural of pop musician Chappell Roan in Springfield or Willard, Roan’s hometown. Still in the early planning stages, Riutzel is currently looking for a location to paint the mural, in addition to funding to support the project.

On September 22, Riutzel made a post in the r/springfieldMO subReddit expressing his interest in painting a Roan mural. The post quickly gained popularity, with 79 upvotes and 46 comments as of Wednesday. Many Reddit users suggested that Riutzel reach out to the GLO Center, Southwest Missouri’s LGBTQIA+ resource center at 518 E. Commercial St. The GLO center has an unpainted brick wall on its east-facing side. But painting a mural on a building like the GLO Center isn’t as easy as setting up a staircase and getting down to business.

The building at 518 E. Commercial St. it is part of the Commercial Street Historic District and therefore must follow the guidelines set by the Springfield Landmarks Board. As outlined in the Commercial Street Historic District Design Guide, buildings must be preserved to preserve their historic character. The guidelines specifically state that unpainted masonry should remain as is.

Whether or not Riutzel ends up pursuing the GLO Center, she’s interested in a high-traffic area. Speaking to the News-Leader, Riutzel also expressed interest in buildings along Glenstone and Campbell avenues or downtown.

When it comes to resources and time, Riutzel said he will likely spend more than 100 hours planning, designing and painting the mural. As for funding, the mural and the necessary resources could cost between $3,000 and $30,000, she said. The range is large because at this point in the process, Riutzel is unsure of the size of the painting and what materials she might need, such as renting an elevator for a tall building or setting up scaffolding.

More: Despite his newfound fame, Chappell Roan wants his space. Music, social media experts weigh in

For Riutzel, painting murals in her community isn’t about making a profit. It’s about giving art to those who live there, and in the case of the Roan mural, the project is simply an “artist dedicating his art to another artist.”

Describing herself as a “huge fan” of Roan, Riutzel said she started listening to the pop star last year after the release of Roan’s video for “HOT TO GO,” which was shot in Springfield. Riutzel said she appreciates Roan’s love for her hometown, which is often overlooked by stars.

People interested in proposing or offering a location, suggesting elements for the mural, or donating funds or resources can contact Riutzel through her website’s contact form at beautyfromlight.com/contact/ or by sending her a message on Instagram , @beautyfromlight.

Interested in seeing Riutzel’s work staff? You don’t have to look far:

  • Mural of a bear and a bear skull in space along South Robberson Avenue in downtown Springfield, painted during the MIDxMIDWEST festival;
  • The mural dedicated to Rose O’Neill on the south side of the Branson Centennial Museum at 120 S. Commercial St. in Branson;
  • The Ozark Greenway Trails mural on the back of the Jordan Valley Ice Park at 635 E. Trafficway St.;
  • The roller skate mural inside the Bees Knees Roller Skate shop at 301 E. Commercial St. in Springfield;
  • Mural of a panther and various other elements of nature on an electrical box on the Drury University campus at the intersection of Washington and Calhoun Streets;
  • Nature scene mural in a small parking lot north of the intersection of Business 65 and Pacific Street in Branson.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has over five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email him at [email protected].

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