CLEARING THE WAY

Acrylic on Stretched Canvas Panels     10.5 ' x 66 '

The Drill Hall of the Armed Forces Reserve Complex in Middletown, Iowa is an immense space. With the murals' diagonal outlines and dynamic vertical figures we created forceful imagery throughout the multi-paneled piece. We selected one continuous flow and storyline that would have more meaning and interrelate with the three topics featured.   

The current role of the 224 Engineer Battalion with its focus on horizontal construction and the Battalion Motto, Clearing The Way, is the central focal point of the mural. A chronicle of the unit is included, from its beginnings as horse cavalry, through antiaircraft artillery to combat engineers. There is also a connection to the City of Burlington and to the people of the State of Iowa. The bold colors and distinct iconic imagery interwoven along the length of the mural are instantly recognizable and have meaning to the soldiers who serve at the complex, their families and the community. In collaboration with William Barnes

Armed Forces Reserve Complex          Drill Hall          Middletown, Iowa          Images by Sue Voegtlin          Through Olson Larsen Gallery