Called to Walls is an Emporia mural project benefit that will be held on Feb. 29. The fundraising event will feature Called to Walls, a 2016 documentary by Nicholas Ward and Amber Hansen, celebrating communities getting into art through monumental mural works of Dave Loewenstein.

The Emporia State Special Events Board has given a grant to Stephanie Lanter, professor of art, to make the project a reality, but the project is still lacking $2,500, which they hope to raise during this benefit.

“Right now, students can help by attending the event on Monday, February 29 at the Emporia Arts Center,” Lanter said. “The filmmakers will be present and we will talk about the project and discuss ways to be involved, including submitting ideas for the mural itself.”

The art department will also accept donations if people are unable to make it to the Emporia mural benefit screening.

“We saw the project as an opportunity for downtown Emporia to become more beautiful and more attractive,” said Jeremey Johns, manager at Radius Brewing Co. “We’re really excited about that and we’re behind anything that makes downtown better.”

This is a way for the community to interact with each other, according to Johns.

“The mural imagery will be generated by any Emporia volunteer that wishes to participate,” Lanter said. “They can join the Facebook group for the mural project schedule and come to the planning and painting events. (The) internationally acclaimed muralist Dave Loewenstein is in town for the project from April 20-30.”

Ryan Howerton, junior art major, said he thinks the mural is a great idea for the community.

“Any way that art can be spread around and shared with others, I feel, is always for the better,” Howerton said.

The Emporia Mural Project will be a community event that all from Emporia will be invited to join.

Tickets for the benefit are being sold at Mulready’s Pub, Radius Brewing, Emporia Arts Center and will be available at the door of the event.