The Swiftwater Mural in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, is a wonderful example of a community coming together to tell its story through art.

The mural was the brainchild of Laurie Tenpas, Nekoosa High School’s art teacher and united local artists, business people, students, the Ho-Chunk nation, retirees, and interested residents.

The mural was funded through donations from groups, businesses and individuals, as well as a Community Foundation School Plus grant and a Nekoosa Progress Fund grant through Incourage. Laurie tells you where her inspiration came from and some of the stories that the mural tells.