A new mural unveiled at Learning Center

The Shafter Library and Learning unveiled a new mural recently that is the result of another dream from members of the Shafter community.

Local artist Lorena Castillo, who was the artist behind the first mural at the Learning Center, was once again in charge of the creation, helped by children and families in the community. "This is what makes this so special," said Castillo. "This is the result of an entire community's passion and involvement."

According to one of the founders of Listen to Shafter, Katie Wiebe, who was a driving force in both projects, the experience is not just a picture to look at for the kids. "The kids had a personal involvement in the project. They were able to paint part of the mural themselves. Lorena would draw the lines and pictures and the kids and volunteers would fill in the lines and paint inside those lines."

Wiebe said that it means that much more because the children know that they helped create it. The funding for the project came from the Art Council of Kern County. The idea of having the mural depict a postcard was one that was discussed by Castillo, Wiebe and others. Castillo said, "Katie was the one that thought of the postcard idea. Other cities have had a postcard for their cities and it seemed like a great idea. I thought that yeah, and each letter would represent something in Shafter."

The mural was unveiled last week, with local dignitaries, families and a large group of children on hand for the celebration.

"Now, when the kids come to the library and the learning center, they can look at this mural and know that they had a part in it," Wiebe said.