By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5:30pm, Seven Steps Up will dedicate completion of a mural project on their building. This is the latest artwork commissioned by the Art In The Park Project which has resulted in several outdoor public art murals over the past two years in the Village of Spring Lake.

The mural on the north side wall of Seven Steps Up Live Music + Events entitled “Together” reflects the artist’s view of how music and diversity can bring people together.  Five Spring Lake High School art students submitted proposals for the project, with one from Liv Butler chosen in a blind audition by owners Gary and Michelle Hanks.

“It was difficult to just pick one as all five were worthy of selection,” said Mrs. Hanks. “We were so happy to learn that the other four will be given commissions to paint murals in another Village location.”

Private donations and a grant from the Grand Haven Community Foundation funded the project.

Butler worked on the mural for over two months with her progress followed in daily social media videos and media stories in newspapers, blogs, and television news.  She is currently a senior at Spring Lake High School and hopes to continue her art education in college next year.

The colorful 12-foot by 14-foot mural depicts a diverse population interspersed with live music elements including a lyric line from the poignant song by The Alternate Routes called “Nothing More.”  As the song goes, “We are how we treat each other and nothing more.”

“All during the project, people stopped by to look and take photos and talk to Liv,” said Mrs. Hanks. “It’s a very fitting message for a live music venue like us. We hope people will come out for the ribbon cutting and express their appreciation to Liv.”