Two basketball courts in Antelope Park will serve as the site of a giant mural beginning today. The courts, located near the intersection of Normal Boulevard and South Street, will be closed from September 6 through 20 for resurfacing and painting by the nonprofit organization, Project Backboard.
The courts are expected to be open for play September 21. The mural design is a reproduction of a painting by artist Felrath Hines, entitled “Red Sea” created in 1985.
The mural project is funded by private donations raised by Public Art Lincoln, a fund of the Lincoln Community Foundation. Public Art Lincoln will host an opening recognition event at 5 p.m., September 27.
The event will feature a game with athletes from the Cornhusker Shooting Stars, Capital City Chameleons and Lincoln Sharks Special Olympics teams. Refreshments will be served.
Project Backboard is a nonprofit organization that renovates public basketball courts, installs site specific art and makes art accessible. Project Backboard goals are to strengthen the community, encourage multi-generational play, and inspire an appreciation for art.
For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/publicart.