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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The mural painted by Attorney Nils P. Johnson Jr. was unveiled at City Hall on Nov. 2. Johnson painted the mural in honor of the City of Canfield while depicting a scene from the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade on the Green.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.After unveiling a mural painted by Attorney Nils P. Johnson Jr., Mayor Richard Duffett read a proclamation declaring Nov. 2, 2018, Nils P. Johnson, Jr. Day.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Attorney Nils P. Johnson Jr. was joined by, from left, Mayor Richard Duffett, daughter Molly Johnson, son Nils Peter Johnson and wife Kathleen at the unveiling of his mural at City Hall on Nov. 2.
By ABBY SLANKER
Mayor Richard Duffett hosted the unveiling of a mural painted by Attorney Nils P. Johnson Jr. at City Hall on Nov. 2.
Johnson painted the mural in honor of the City of Canfield while depicting a scene from the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade on the Green.
“Good morning and, on behalf of the City of Canfield, welcome to this festive occasion. We are here to honor and thank Nils P. Johnson, Jr. as we unveil his mural, which he has put much heart and passion into. The City of Canfield is honored and proud to receive this labor of love from Attorney Johnson. This is just another example of how dedicated the Johnson family is to the City of Canfield,” Duffett said in welcoming the large crowd.
Duffett then introduced Dr. Louis Zona, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Butler Institute of American Art, to say a few words on behalf of Johnson.
“Art does more than entertain. It is enlightenment. It is a source of pride to the community and our community is home to great art. It teaches those who see it now and in the future. Congratulations, Nils, on a truly outstanding piece of art,” Zona said.
Duffett then introduced Johnson’s son, Nils Peter Johnson, and daughter, Molly Johnson, to say a few words.
“Thank you for being here today. The Johnson Family Foundation will remain the owner of the mural while donating it to the city of Canfield. The city has graciously agreed to the Foundation’s wishes to have the mural rotated to different landmarks in the city, including the courthouse, the township, the schools and Board of Education, the library, which are all locations which are important to this community,” Molly said.
Duffett then introduced Attorney Johnson to unveil the mural and address the crowd.
“Thank you for coming. I had a lot of fun creating this mural. It depicts small town life. I wanted to highlight the Fourth of July Parade on the Green because it is such an important part of our community. I included several Canfield landmarks, such as the Township Hall, Methodist Church and, of course, the Dairy Queen. I also hope this kick starts art awareness around town. We will be holding an art show on the Green next summer and we are hoping to attract national artists to this show and we will build on it over the years. Thank you for coming. I hope you all participate as we go forward in our community and further develop our community,” Johnson said.
Duffett then read a proclamation declaring Nov. 2, 2018, Nils P. Johnson Jr. Day. District Director Sarah Keeler of Congressman Bill Johnson’s office also presented Johnson with a proclamation.
Duffett then invited everyone in attendance to get a closer look at the mural.
“It’s great to see everybody here today. Thanks so much for coming and we invite you to come up and get closer look at the mural,” Duffett said.