Rooted and Growing Together: A Mural for Our Community
“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
If you’ve driven by the church, you may have noticed some paintwork happening on the side of our building and wondered what’s going on. We’re excited to share that Milford First UMC has partnered with ArtWorks to create a beautiful, community-focused mural on the blank brick wall facing the new Five Points Landing Park!
The idea for a mural was first conceived shortly after construction on the park began in spring 2023, which coincided with conversations about the need to replace worn-out banners that hung on the wall. At the end of July, ArtWorks provided a list of potential designers, and Milford First’s staff, Visioning Board and members of our planning team selected the designer we thought would best represent our congregation and the Milford community. Over the past several months, using feedback from our members, Visioning Board and staff, we worked alongside ArtWorks and the designer, Betty Hatchett, to shape the final design, which will soon come to life on the wall.
In recent weeks, the Mural Studio team from ArtWorks began priming the wall as the design was being finalized. With a completed design, it’s now full steam ahead! The team will spend the next month transferring the design to the wall, ultimately leaving us with a vibrant mural and inspiring message before the gray days of winter arrive.
About the Design
The mural’s “Rooted and Growing Together” theme offers a life-giving vision of unity for the church and community. It acknowledges our church’s long history, beginning in 1797, and future place in the community – a reminder of our commitment to bringing people together, rooted in God’s love. It’s also a celebration of the many natural elements that make Milford and the surrounding area unique. The blue background alongside vibrant plant life symbolizes the connection between earth and sky. The diverse color palette symbolizes the diversity of humanity and the earth, God’s creation. If you look closely, you’ll notice a variety of plants and animals native to Milford and the Greater Cincinnati region. The animals in the mural design have spiritual significance, too. Eagles, sparrows, doves and butterflies are all mentioned throughout scripture or in Christian hymns, a nod to Milford First’s notable musical programs that have inspired spiritual growth in countless lives over the years. You may be familiar with tunes like “On Eagles Wings” (UMH #143), “Hymn of Promise” (UMH #707) or “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” (UMH #2146).
We hope this mural serves as a reminder that, like mighty oaks that intertwine their roots underground, we’re stronger when held together and rooted in love. Through the collective strength found in God, beauty abounds, and all the earth and its creatures will grow, finding rest and flourishing for years to come.
Empowering Teens and Young Adults through ArtWorks
Through this project, Milford First UMC is investing in the vibrancy of our community by empowering young artists. The Mural Studio artists, ages 18 to 24, who will be painting the wall are experienced emerging artists who have gone through ArtWorks’ signature youth apprenticeship program or have proven talent and experience. This creative team is led by a professional teaching artist with client and project management experience. By working with the Mural Studio, we’re giving young artists experience, employment, and opportunities for mentorship and growth in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.
About the Designer
Elizabeth (Betty) Hatchett is an artist and designer who uses the creative process to slow down, listen to life’s stories, beauty, humor, questions and give as honest a response as she can muster. She hopes her work can offer a piece of that wonder to you as well.
Perhaps also because she was born with the surname “Herron,” she has a particularly strong fascination with our familial bonds to the natural world. Betty has done surface design for Anthropologie, Casetify, and more, and you can find her artwork on Etsy. You can learn more about the designer, Betty Hatchett, on her website at bettyhatchettdesign.com.
About ArtWorks
ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that creates community-based public art providing career opportunities for artists of all ages. The organization collaborates with community organizations and residents, businesses, governments, foundations, and nonprofits to build creative works of art that bolster the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. ArtWorks has employed and trained over 3,500 professional artists and 4,000 youth, ages 14 – 24. We invest in our creative economy by creating jobs that support local talent, pairing professional artists to inspire and mentor diverse teams of youth, and helping them build 21st-century career-readiness skills. Over the past 27 years, this collaborative approach has created a citywide gallery with more than 14,000 public and private art projects, including more than 300 permanent outdoor murals, including the John Ruthven “bird” mural on the wall as you turn left toward Terrace Park after leaving Old Milford.
For more information about the mural, please contact John Henderson, director of digital and community engagement at john@milfordfirstumc.org.