Two talented artists are bringing a special new mural to downtown Branson.
Located on the corner of Commercial and Pacific Streets, the mural can be seen on the side of the Branson Centennial Museum.
Artists Christine Riutzel and Delanie Cooper bonded over a shared love of art and Rose O'Neill, the famous Ozarkian who created the Kewpie Doll. Christine is a professional muralist from Hollister. She serves as the President of the Southwest Missouri Arts Connection and is a member of the Board of the Hollister Parks and Recreation. She enjoys creating fine art and public art. Delanie, an artist and online retailer, was raised in Springfield, but now resides in Kansas City. Delanie credits the Ozarks for inspiring her art and her everyday life.
Christine and Delanie have a goal for the mural—to bring about awareness of Rose O'Neill and Bonniebrook, meaning more visitors to Bonniebrook, the art gallery, museum and homestead of Rose O'Neill, located near Branson in Walnut Shade.
O'Neill was a cartoonist, illustrator, artist, writer, suffragist, activist and philanthropist. She was most known for her creation of the comic strip character Kewpies, and became the United State's first female cartoonist to be published.
Christine and Delanie are asking for your help in keeping the memory of Rose O'Neill alive through donations to fund their unique and exquisite mural. The 28 ft. by 21 ft. mural is expected to take $500 in paint and $300 for UV clear coat. The cost of the lift for the month it will take them to complete the mural is estimated at $1,800, and the cost of labor, at $30 a square foot, is more than $17,000. Christine and Delanie have a fundraising goal of $20,240 for the Rose O'Neill project.
If you would like to donate to the Rose O'Neill project, Christine and Delanie are accepting donations through Venmo (@Rosemural), CashApp ($RoseMural) or PayPal (paypal.me/RoseMural).