MEEKER | Uplift Meeker, our Meeker Main Street program, is launching its newest initiative: the Josephine Project.
Named after Josephine Meeker, daughter of Nathan Meeker. Josephine worked as an accountant, a physician and a teacher, and established a school for Ute children. In the Meeker Incident with the local Utes, she, along with her mother, was taken hostage for nearly a month. “The Josephine Project is ongoing and focuses on improving the core of Meeker for everyone to enjoy, feel safe, and be connected to all that Meeker offers. The project is named after Josephine Meeker as a nod to our history and the qualities she represents — persistence and determination to thrive, overcome obstacles, and find the best in every situation,” according to Stephanie Hanson, Executive Director of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce. This project is looking to revitalize downtown, help bring more foot traffic to the downtown businesses by bringing people into the historic business district, and provide connections between downtown and other destinations through pedestrian and bike paths, while making our downtown streets safer.
Join Uplift Meeker at this week’s Meeker Market on Friday, June 21 beginning at 4 p.m. to participate in the creation of a color-by-number mural of Josephine Meeker. The completed mural will be on display to raise awareness about the project’s purpose and goals, and to continue to add to the growing public art exhibitions around Meeker. The canvas will eventually be adhered to a wall, as a permanent mural for Meeker, so come be a part of Meeker history!
Special thanks to Ben Quinn for his artistic advice and preparing the canvas.
The above canvas, prepped by MHS art instructor Ben Quinn, will be the backdrop for a paint-by-number public art project. The public is invited to pick up a brush and make their mark during the second Meekerpalooza this Friday starting at 4 p.m. downtown.
Josephine Meeker was known for her sharp intellect, spirited nature and affinity for adventure. The mural will serve as inspiration for the Josephine Project, aiming to revitalize downtown.
