United Way, City of Aurora Team for Community Mural

It appears on the side of Alejandra's Mexican Restaurant.

Photo provided.

(Aurora, Ind.) - The United Way of Southeastern Indiana teamed up with the city of Aurora to enhance the city’s artistic appeal with an original mural on the side of Alejandra’s Mexican restaurant on the corner of Second and Main Streets.

Artist Christian Dallas, a graduate of Northern Kentucky University, designed and painted the mural, which captures the personality and spirit of Aurora and the surrounding area.

The colorful mural depicts folks helping each other, working and playing before a backdrop that includes the city building, lush green hills, and a red barn. The artist and development team ensured the artwork reflects a broad cross-section of the community, including people of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. The art is careful to show lots of community service and volunteerism as a reflection of the local community’s dedication to helping neighbors.

“We feel this project is an excellent example of what our community can accomplish when various agencies come together for a common purpose. We are very proud of this contribution to the city of Aurora,” stated United Way Action Council President Jill Timon.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 3 with Aurora Mayor Patrick Schwing, longtime Aurora resident and community activist Judy Hizer, Clerk-Treasurer Benny Turner, City Council Member Terry Hahn, and Aurora Public Library District Director Leslie Sutherlin in attendance as well as both United Way of Greater Cincinnati CEO Moira Weir, and Southeastern Indiana United Way Advancement Director Karen Snyder. United Way Action Council members, Aurora law enforcement officers, and library staff members also attended the dedication, which was postponed from last fall due to inclement weather.

The mural was a joint venture with the United Way, the city of Aurora, Alejandra’s Mexican restaurant, and Main Street Aurora.