Dennis Schiel, a local Hays artist, has been commissioned by the Hays Arts Council to paint a mural titled �Historic Icons in Hays� Past.� The mural will appear on the north face of the Fox Theatre, 1202 Main.



Mike Morley, president of the Hays Arts Council, said the project has been in the works for more than a year. Morley added the council views the project as similar to the one Schiel created a few years ago � a multi-paneled mural of the history of Kansas which now is displayed in the state Capitol in Topeka.



Just like that project, the Hays Arts Council commissioned Schiel to produce this new mural.



�Dennis did some research on historical figures and symbols of Hays and western Kansas and incorporated those into his mural,� Morley said.



The mural will be approximately 35-by-60 feet and will include images of Volga-German farmers, Fort Hays, General Hays, Boot Hill, the buffalo and Fort Hays State University.



Schiel began painting the mural Monday and hopes to complete the project in a few weeks.



�I will hopefully put in eight-hour days,� Schiel said.



The weather hasn�t prevented his work yet, as Schiel said the light rain doesn�t affect the paint on the side of the building much. He said while the cool weather has been nice, he still sweats quite a lot during the process.



�I think it�s just from the height,� Schiel said with a laugh.



The mural is a 501(c)3 project that allows for all donations to be tax-deductible. The project requires a 50-foot boom rental, paint and supplies, administrative costs, final plaque, donors� recognition, liability and all taxes and other miscellaneous costs and fees.



Funding for the project will be raised from individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in the value of the project. All donors to the project will have a tax deduction, name recognition and receive a limited edition print of the project.



�If this one goes well and we�re able to raise the money, we plan to do another one on the Sternberg water tower,� Schiel said.



That mural will include General Custer, Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickock.



Donations can be made to the Hays Arts Council �Hays Mural Fund� and sent to the Hays Arts Council, 112 E. 11th, Hays, KS 67601.