The Mercer County Area Development Corporation (MCAD) has selected a 13-year-old artist from Princeton, Hector Garcia, to paint murals in Mercer and Princeton.
Shelley Bickel from MCAD reported that she first noticed Garcia’s artwork at the Princeton library. Impressed by his talent, she contacted him and invited him to paint a mural in Mercer. Garcia began working on the mural on August 7 and completed it on August 11.
Bickel mentioned that supplies for the mural were donated. However, MCAD is currently collecting donations to compensate Garcia for his work and to support the creation of five additional murals. Garcia plans to paint four more murals in Princeton and one more in Mercer. These murals will be painted on special plywood for display on walls and will feature themes such as farming, flags, and Calamity Jane.
In addition, Garcia will create paintings on canvas during Calamity Jane Day, and his artwork will be auctioned to raise funds for him.
Bickel emphasized that MCAD has never undertaken a project like this before. The corporation aims to revitalize Mercer County through these murals, attracting visitors to shop, dine, and attend festivals in the area.
