Box Car Liquor Mural
A project that began at the Women’s Expo 2023 in Tracy, MN.
Library Director Valerie Quist and I started researching and promoting this project in 2023. If you frequent public events in Tracy, you probably saw us out-and-about. We had an online survey and conducted a poll at Tracy Box Car Days. The results of our research lead us to starting this project.
The Box Car Liquor Mural is one in a small series of public art pieces going up in Tracy. It is also part of the HWY 14 beautification project. The additional works have not yet been discussed.
The project was to create multiple works of public art for the city of Tracy. It was decided that the liquor store would be our first location.
I met with and discussed some ideas with Tammy, the store manager, at Box Car Liquors. Several ideas were generated for the project. The city decided on the antique style painted sign.
Day 0
After a visit to the local craft and hardware stores, the final prep work began!
The chosen image was projected onto large roll paper and traced. Then I cut around the outer most shape to create the first stencil.
Day 1
On day 1 the surface is prepped. It was cleaned, rinsed, dried, and sanded. The surface is sanded to ensure that the new paint adheres to the surface.
Once prep is complete, the stencil is taped on the wall and traced. I used an oil pastel to trace this stencil because the wall is fairly dark and the oil pastel wipes away with water once the paint is dry.
The last step completed on day 1 was the first coat of the background, which is white.
As I drove away I saw a few adjustments I would make, but we will see what Day 2 Brings!
Day 2
With a little help from some friends… the charcoal was applied to the template. This process makes it possible to transfer the design to the wall.
Let this be a lesson to trust your tools and not your eyes! I brought my level on day 2, and I had to make some adjustments to the shape of the sign, but it’s all leveled out now and ready for the stencil.
The stencil was placed using the level. It needed to be cut into three sections and leveled independently to fit the adjusted sign size. Each piece was transferred onto the wall by tracing the template with a ball point pen.
Day 3
Project delayed due to humidity levels. Why is this important? High humidity can cause an odd finish, it can lead to mold, and it can cause bubbles or peeling. For now I watch the weather app and wait.
Day 4
Another weather delay! Rain expected in Tracy off and on today. Hopefully the weather is more cooperative later this week.
Day 5
Busy, fun, and productive!
With beautiful weather prevailing, the mural continued!
The first layer of red paint was applied today! The background paint is a matte exterior acrylic paint, while the color and texture paint will be artist acrylics. Both materials are acrylic based and will adhere to each other. Since the surface was prepared they will also adhere to the surface.
I had to take a short break for the last session of Sketchbook in Tracy, it was so much fun! They had lots of energy to share, so when I returned to the mural after class, I had all the energy I needed to finished the first layer of red paint before dark!
Day 6
That Minnesota weather is really giving me some trouble this time! Rained out again! There was a small window when there was supposed to be no rain and low humidity… but it was raining when I arrived in Tracy, and I did not to risk having runny or splotchy paint the next day. I will be back at it tomorrow, I’m so happy with the work that’s been done so far!
Day 7
It was a beautiful day to paint outside!
The red paint was a little transparent when I arrived so I gave it a second coat. I think it looks more evenly toned now!
The blue layer was applied today! It is a custom gray/blue. The artist acrylic paints were mixed to create the color from the sample. It doesn’t appear to need a second coat, but I will check it out tomorrow and make sure.
Day 8
A day of waiting and reviewing notes.
Today I had to be at the studio to sign for the clear coat, when it arrived. It was a little later than expected, but while I was waiting, the studio grounds got some much needed TLC!
The clear coat arrived and I will take some time to review my application notes and safety procedures for this specific product.
I’m very excited to make some progress this weekend! Hopefully I will be clear coating on Monday!
Day 9
Another beautiful day in Tracy!
I had a few people comment positively on the progress today! I was very focused so most of them innocently startled me!
The black layer was added. This included the outline on the box car and the ribbon, and the letters for Boxcar Liquor. The piece looks complete at this point, but there are a few steps left!
Day 10
Painting completed!
Today the last details were added to the painting. White paint was used to make some adjustments and cover some stencil lines.
Then texture was added to age the sign. Two layers of texture were added. After the first application, it was a bit too light and did not affect the image when seen from a distance. I decided to add the second layer to get as close to the digital mock up as possible.
Day 11
The mural is done!
Today, the clear coat was applied. A prime and 2 layers of mural shield will ensure it lasts as long as the paint beneath it.
What a fun project
A big THANK YOU to Boxcar Liquors, the city of Tracy, Valerie Quist , Jeff Carpenter, and the Miller Family! You all helped to make this project possible!
And thank you to the blog readers, I can’t wait for our next art project adventure!
-SammyJo Miller