MSUM plays key role in Veteran’s Mural as FM’s Largest piece of Public Art
“Pathway to Freedom”. The mural project began when retired long-time MSUM Building Foreman, Larry Nicholson, President of VVA Chapter 941 suggested a community mural be created to honor veterans. Larry teamed up with Vietnam veterans Ed Ahonen and Rex Selness to initiate the project. They contacted Brad Bachmeier, then Chair of the School of Art for assistance. Brad coordinated resources and meetings with the Fargo Air Museum and veteran’s groups among other entities before contacting veteran artist Jim Fletcher and MSUM Art Alumni Paul Johnson to design and execute the work. Jim and his wife Dee coordinated the fundraising and support necessary to complete his vision to create a mural that would honor all veterans and their sacrifices through imagery reflecting all 12 major U.S. wars. The result is a 16’x48′ mural to be unveiled at the Fargo Air Museum at a celebration Saturday , September 26th from 12-5:00, with a program at 2:00. The work will be the largest piece of public art in the FM Area.