Nunnawauk Meadows Mural

Dedicated At Ceremonies

By Andrew Gorosko

About a hundred people took part in the June 28 dedication of a new mural painted in place by noted artist David Merrill in the main hall of the community center at Nunnawauk Meadows on Nunnawauk Road.

Mr Merrill began painting the realistic, finely detailed view of various significant local buildings in early January, spending almost four months on the project. The mural, which symbolizes the history of Nunnawauk Meadows, depicts summertime conditions.

The mural is painted on a broad, high wall section positioned above a seven-foot-tall stone fireplace in the main hall.

Views in the mural include the gazebo at Nunnawauk Meadows, Edmond Town Hall, The Newtown Bee building, The Newtown Meeting House, Newtown Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, and Christ The King Lutheran Church. The US flag atop the Main Street flagpole also is depicted.

The four churches were among the local organizations which in 1970 formed the nonprofit organization known as Newtown Housing for The Elderly, Inc. That group worked to create Nunnawauk Meadows, where construction began in 1976, with initial occupancy in January 1977. 

The community center at Nunnawauk Meadows is a focal point of social activities at the rental complex for senior citizens.

As Mr Merrill painted the mural during the course of four months, Nunnawauk Meadows residents watched attentively as the rendering of multiple buildings took shape.

The border of the mural contains various images, including exterior views of Nunnawauk Meadows; as well as the state seal; the state Capitol building; the state flower, which is mountain laurel; and the state bird, which is the American robin.

Mr Merrill explained that he uses acrylic paints in his murals, finding the water-soluble plastic paint to be a very suitable substance for the artwork that he creates.

In ceremonies at which the mural was dedicated, Mr Merrill expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to paint the artwork, which he said was gratifying to create.

The mural is dedicated to the past and present directors, management, and staff members of Nunnawauk Meadows. It also is dedicated to local civic organizations, church members, town boards, and town leaders.

A group of private individuals and companies contributed funds toward the mural’s creation.