Perhaps you’ve seen it.
A golden orb with colorful rays shining across a 90-foot-long building on Highway 84 on the east end of Fairfield, right at the curve.
It’s definitely ‘the talk of the town’ – both the mural and a soon-to-open business called Shine.
Based on the business logo, artist Teri Frauenberger brought the layout to life on the building at 534 E. Commerce Street, which formerly housed L&M Trophies.
“The logo had the sunshine, and all the colors – it was fabulous,” she said, stating that the biggest decision to make was determining where to position the sun.
“The mural’s theme is based on hope,” said Teri. “Just as after a storm the sun shines again to bring hope.”
“Shelly [Burkhart] is creating a place for hope to shine forth after storms that people may face in their journey in life,” the artist explained. “A place to heal and shine where they are at, in present day.”
Teri made the choice to off-set the sun rays to show that “where people have come from is shorter (in terms of their storm) and where they are headed — the path is longer and reaching further ahead (showing an upward growth).”
“Knowing my pain is shorter and behind me, and the joy set before me is longer and climbing, is a hope that brings comfort,” said Teri.
Teri is the art teacher at Fairfield High School; and has been working on the mural since Spring Break, finishing the last brush strokes just last week.
“Every day was pure joy,” said Teri. “I’m very moved by God moving in my life, and I saw His hand on all of this.”
“I’ve painted on wood before, just not a building of this size,” she said. “Shelly just encouraged me, every step of the way.”
Her students gave encouragement, as well, when they drove by and honked while she painted.
Teri said she used the experience as an opportunity to encourage her students to work through their own obstacles. “I told them it’s just like when you have a blank piece of paper before you, and now look what you’ve done!”
She is also thrilled to learn that seniors have been using the mural as a background for pictures. “You’ll remember me,” said Teri, “every time you see your senior picture.”
The mural will certainly serve as a colorful backdrop for many pictures, and years to come.
Opening soon, Shine will house a community space for wellness and holistic development; and offer classes in Pilates.
Owner Shelly Burkhart serves as Spiritual Director, assisting people with inner work through one-on-one sessions.
For more information, visit online at shellyburkhart.com to sign up for their newsletter or to book a session.
Stay tuned for Shine’s upcoming Grand Opening.
(Photos by Karen Leidy)
