NoGoodz

In early June 2008 the librarians at the Howell Township Library needed something special… they needed an artist. The creative challenge they faced: to create a captivating mural on their main lobby wall that would incite and inspire library-goers young and old in the arts and literature. And then walked in life-long library member Amber Opal.

From the onset, Amber came to the project with a wealth of style and experience in her portfolio. Having painted many murals all over New Jersey for private homes and public businesses, she saw this one as a true challenge for both her skillful hands and her creative mind. Early on in the project she understood that juxtapozing classical art with popular children’s literature could be a daunting task that demanded insight and balance. Ms. Opal met this challenge head on by successfully merging such famous characters as Hamlet, The Mad Hatter, Frankenstein, Dumbedore and a slew of other instantly recognizable characters into the classical composition of Renior’s “The Boating Party”. Done in deep muted tones with gestural highlights of accent and pattern, Amber Opal worked hard to keep the process true to Renior’s stylistic approach while at the same time meeting the needs of the environment in which the mural resides.

Adding to the mix of this story is the fact that Amber Opal and the Howell Librarians have always had as part of the project’s scope the inclusion of local art students from surrounding schools to pitch in to the process, making this masterpiece a community effort on all proportions. From initial ideas, to basic outlines, to finishing touches and the unveiling, Amber and her collective of students worked for two weeks to create an awe-inspiring mural that generates an instant connection to the youngest and most seasoned Howell Library visitor.

“The most amazing moment was when a little boy, about 9 years old, walked up to me and said ‘The Boating Party!’ I was so blown away that his first thought wasn’t ‘Tom Sawyer!’ or ‘Frankenstein!’” admits Amber Opal. “This whole process has been a great experience, one that I hope inspires other young artists who are just starting out to actually see art and creativity taking shape in the world. That they, too, can use what nature gave them to make a living and make this planet a little more beautiful.”

The unveiling took place on August 6th and was an instant media frenzy as reporters and on-lookers from all over New Jersey pressed in through the Howell Library doors to get a closer look at the 8-foot high, 10 foot wide masterpiece that would grace the walls of this library for years to come. The Howell librarians share a deep love of both art and literature, and thus this piece perfectly complements their monthly art gallery that highlights creative work done by area residents and students. Which now has a whole new slew of viewers due to the light the mural has shined on the Howell Township Library in the media and in the community.

If you are interested in having a masterpiece of a mural done by Amber Opal, contact her at her website www.inkbabies.com.