Pine Forest School artists unveil mural showcasing what Flagstaff means to them.
In early 2021, the State of Arizona created a $4 million fund to assist bars and restaurants with the infrastructure they need to expand their premises. Businesses could apply for up to $10,000 to cover expenses such as outdoor furniture and patio heaters.
“Improving outdoor seating for us meant having more comfortable, warmer chairs and cutting down on the wind,” said Altitudes co-owner Lynda Fleischer, who successfully applied for the funding. “We were looking for plexiglass to block the wind, but that was difficult to find during the pandemic, so we went with plywood. But you can’t just have plywood, so that gave me the idea of getting a school involved to create their own mini mural.”
Conversations began in April between Altitudes and Pine Forest School. The design started to take shape in May. And in June, a time when most students are out of school for the summer, young artists from the charter school were coming back for two extra weeks. “They’d show up on really hot days,” said Pine Forest School Executive Director Cindy Roe. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our wonderful artists.”
“It makes me feel really happy that my school could do this so fast,” said 12-year-old Kayla Toulan, who helped create the concept for a “Flagstaff” mural, spelled out. “My sister, Kiona, did the ‘A’ [for aspen] with the galaxy behind it.”
Colorful letters showcase the city’s important features as seen through the eyes of the students, such as F for forest, L for Lowell Observatory and T for Train.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of anything this big in the community before,” said 14-year-old Cedar Bontrager. “It feels great!”
“We are an arts-based curriculum,” said Roe. “This was the perfect opportunity for the kids to do something with the skills they’ve learned. And just being able to work with the Flagstaff community and with Lynda feels like a nice fit. We have a lot of alumni and lots of parents who are outdoorsy people,” she added, noting the connection between Pine Forest School and the alpine ski-themed restaurant.
Others who joined in the effort were Fleischer’s husband and Altitudes co-owner Paul Joerger, who helped facilitate the project; general contractor Michael Fagan and Altitude’s Chef Eddie Bibb, who hung the mural; and, Lisa Brackin, who helped supply materials from HomCo Lumber & Hardware at a discount.
“Mikes is always happy to help the community,” said Brackin, referring to her brother Mike Brackin who owns HomCo. “I thought the kids did a great job and I think it was a great opportunity for them, too.”
At the unveiling celebration last month, Fagan offered a message of inspiration to the young artists. “You guys have an unbelievable talent. Run with it! Go to school. Go to college. What you guys did is unbelievable.” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Altitudes is located at 2 S. Beaver St., Ste. 200. For more information, visit altitudesbarandgrill.com
