A reception for Knoxville’s new mural was held Thursday evening. City staff, representatives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and mural artist Ben Schuh were in attendance to speak with visitors and address the crowd. Schuh says he’s grateful for the community’s collective appreciation for the project.

“When it comes to public art, it’s fundamentally necessary for the public to be engaged with it. I think the crowd support tonight reiterates the success of the project and how much the town loves this opportunity.”

Knoxville won the mural through an online voting contest by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, where cities around the state pitched their community pride.