We are embracing our diverse history, invigorating our present, while growing into our future with murals leveraging the treasures our forefathers entrusted to us.
Leader
Deanna Pierson
Location
Main Street and Newbury Paxico, KS 66526
Paxico, Kansas has two exits just one mile from Interstate 70 our "Kansas Main Street" east-west travel. border to border, from Kansas City to Denver and beyond to California. Often motorists stop because of highway signage representing our designated downtown historic district and antique shops. Local residents and area visitors come to our city park with its immaculately groomed lawn and landscape areas with a walking trail, and Veterans Memorial to host gatherings and family picnics while using our pickleball and basketball courts, and playland for young children.
To beautify and invigorate our main street and invite photo opportunities we are placing up to 5 murals depicting our unique history.
This history is one where of Tennessee Exodusters, German Catholics and Pottawatomie Indians joined forces in the 1880's to attract the creation of a railway line that still operates today as a freight line.
March 2023, Paxico hosted Hollywood famed muralists/artistic duo of Bridget Duffy-Thorn and Nathan Duffy to guide us on mural site strategies and placements informing the city and its residents of needed equipment and design challenges.
March 2023, applied for funding through the Kansas Creative Arts Industry for mural grant funding.
May 2023, apply for grant funding with Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation.
Upon award of funds:
Paxico, Kansas derived its name from the original Pottawatomie Tribe landowner Pnah-Zwa-pqua-zhgen.
Embracing our past, creating our future, we are proactive by informing visitors and residents about the unique history this small town, population 221 holds. '"Old Paxico" was an Exodusters town with freed Tennessee salves populating the area in the 1880's alongside Native Pottawatomie Indians and German immigrants. Many of our downtown buildings are in decay. With the installation of murals showcasing this story we invite a new season of community spirit, pride, and awareness, through implementation of leveraged investment.