Military Life
Mural project at Stars and Stripes Museum honors veterans: How to participate
Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library
November 17, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
BLOOMFIELD, MO - The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library’s ambitious “Paint for a Cause” mural project has reached a significant milestone, with 510 participants already contributing to this unique tribute to military service. The first of five panels, each measuring 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, is approximately halfway complete, demonstrating strong community engagement in this meaningful initiative.
“The response has been remarkable,” says Laura Dumey, Executive Director of the museum. “Each triangle represents a personal connection to our military history, and we’re seeing stories unfold with every contribution.”
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
(Photo courtesy of Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library)
Project Status:
510 participants to date
First panel (6’ x 4’) nearly 50% complete
Four additional panels in progress
Thousands more opportunities to participate
Participation Options:
In-Person Painting:
$2 per triangle donation
Available at Painted Wren Art Gallery
Tuesday - Saturday, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Additional painting sessions at the Stars and Stripes Museum (check Facebook for schedule)
Remote Participation:
$5 per triangle donation
Professional artists will paint on donor’s behalf
PayPal donations accepted at: barbaraon.minis@gmail.com
Required Information for All Participants:
Participant’s name, age, occupation, and hometown
Veteran’s name and branch of service
Specify if honoring living veteran or remembering deceased veteran
“What makes this project special is its inclusivity,” explains Aaron Horrell, project artist. “Anyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, can participate and honor a veteran.” Horrell and co-artist Barb Bailey are available to bring the Paint For A Cause project to community events and venues upon request.
Mobile Event Opportunities:
Available for community events
Corporate team-building activities
Veterans’ organizations gatherings
Contact Aaron Horrell: (573) 579-1000
The completed mural will feature five panels totaling 6 feet by 20 feet, with each painted triangle representing a veteran’s service and sacrifice. All participant information and veteran tributes will be preserved in a commemorative journal to be housed permanently at the museum alongside the completed mural.
For more information, to schedule a painting session, or to discuss hosting an event, contact:
Aaron Horrell: (573) 579-1000
About Stars and Stripes Museum and Library:
The Stars and Stripes Museum and Library preserves the legacy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, first published by Union soldiers in 1861 during the Civil War in Bloomfield, Missouri. The museum celebrates military journalism and serves as an educational resource for visitors from around the world.
About ‘Paint for a Cause’ Brings Thousands Together
BLOOMFIELD, MO - In a unique blend of art, history, and patriotism, the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library has commissioned a large-scale mural project that promises to be as meaningful as it is visually striking. The “Paint for a Cause” initiative, led by artists Barb Bailey and Aaron Horrell of Painted Wren Art Gallery in Cape Girardeau, will result in a 6-foot by 20-foot patriotic mural adorning the museum’s iconic red barn.
A Mosaic of Memories
The mural’s design is as innovative as its purpose. Comprised of thousands of 2-inch triangles, each painted by a different individual, the artwork will be a true community effort. “We estimate that over 8,000 participants will contribute to the final piece,” says Horrell. “Each triangle represents a unique story and a personal connection to our military history.”
What sets this project apart is its dedication to honoring military service. For each triangle painted, participants are asked to name a member of the U.S. military—past or present—in whose honor they paint. These names will be recorded in a special journal to be preserved alongside the mural at the museum.
Funding the Future
While the project celebrates history, it also looks to the future. Donations collected through the mural project will support the Stars and Stripes Museum’s ambitious expansion plans. “We’re outgrowing our current space,” explains Laura Dumey, Executive Director of the museum. “The new facility will significantly enhance our ability to display our collections and serve as an educational resource.”
The museum, which houses the legacy of the Stars and Stripes newspaper first printed in Bloomfield during the Civil War, is planning a new $5 million facility to better showcase its military collections and expand its educational programs.
A Bridge Across Generations
For Bailey and Horrell, both of whom have deep personal connections to military service, the project is more than just art. “This mural provides a way to bridge the ages,” Bailey reflects. “It gives Americans who didn’t serve a chance to honor those who did.”
The symbolism of the mural’s design is not lost on its creators. As Horrell explains, “Each triangle touches others, just as the service of one veteran impacts the lives of many. A Navy triangle might touch an Army triangle and a dozen others. It’s a visual representation of how our military services are interconnected—this is America!”
How to Participate
Visitors are invited to the museum to paint their triangles in person. For those unable to attend, remote participation is possible through a $2 donation per triangle. Donors should include their name, age, occupation, and town, along with the name, rank, and branch of service for each military person they wish to honor.
Larger sponsorships are also available, with recognition in the project journal and on social media for donations of $100 or more. The highest donor will have their name or business featured on the mural itself.
As the Stars and Stripes Museum looks to expand its reach and impact, this mural project stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of service and community that defines the American experience. One triangle at a time, it weaves together the threads of our nation’s military history into a vibrant tapestry of remembrance and hope.