Mural: Our Community ... Larger than Life
Celebrating Lincoln's cultural diversity is the theme of downtown Lincoln's 12th Street ArtZone project located at 12th and O Streets. The mural, "Our Community... Larger than Life" by Lincoln artist Larry Roots, is a 15-foot tall photo mural that covers the north and south sides of the 12th Street skywalk, located between O and N Streets. The photos depict individuals of different ethnicities, gender and age who emphasize the diversity seen in the downtown and Lincoln community.
"This artwork is inspired by the diversity of people who, as residents of Lincoln, represent both our history and our future," said Roots. "On any given day, this rich diversity can be found in the 'common place' of our pedestrians walking within our streets."
Designed to promote understanding and acceptance of the rich cultures sharing Lincoln's schools, workplaces and neighborhoods, the mural joins other ArtZone projects lining 12th Street from M Street north to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln campus. Lincoln's ArtZone is an open-air corridor where art pieces are accessible to the community. It was designed to evoke arts awareness and a sense of discovery as public art is added or changed. Art currently on display in the ArtZone include "On the Trail of Discovery," a bronze sculpture commemorating the journey of Lewis and Clark, and "Torn Notebook," a larger-than-life aluminum and steel piece created by renowned artists Claes Oldenberg and Coosje van Bruggen. Other ArtZone art includes a variety of sculptures and photography by area artists.
The "Our Community... Larger than Life" mural received generous support from several Lincoln organizations that celebrate Lincoln's diversity. These organizations include the Lincoln Action Program, Lincoln Arts Council, Woods Charitable Fund, Inc., Cooper Foundation, Lincoln Community Foundation, Union Bank & Trust, Co., the TierOne Bank Foundation, Speedway Properties, Abel Foundation, and Will and Robert Scott.
