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The "Big Boy" Irrigation Pipe Project
Posted on April 4, 2024 11:47 AM by Admin
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"Big Boy" IP Project
Welcome to our blog on the "Big Boy" Irrigation Pipe Project.
Inspiration for the project came from a drive along McColl Avenue recently. Traveling north you will find many irrigation pipes painted by local artists. The 2020 project 'Make McAllen Beautiful' involved the painting of over 200 irrigation pipes throughout the city. Check out the Make McAllen Beautiful project, the works are stunning.
Our projected is being organized by artists Bonnie Fogg and Michael Somers. Michael is a national acclaimed graphic designer; his talents will be put to good use with the pipe designs and drawings. Patty Stone is also actively involved with our team. Together we have orchestrated the preparation plans.
What are the pipes used for? The irrigation pipes were used by the local farmers to control the flow of the irrigation water to their fields. Most of the pipes are no longer being used but there are a handful of pipes that still active. Our pipe is no longer used.
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We nicknamed the pipe "Big Boy" because transforming a big and very old irrigation pipe into a work of art is a huge undertaking. Our blog will share the work process of the Big Boy project as there are many steps involved before we can even begin to paint. Our first task is to get the pipe cleaned, but without water or electric there was our first the challenge. Using the KISS (keep it simple) we elected to use the services of Chihaus Wash & Wax, their mobile service was the answer. Plus, the guys are young and can climb ladders! "Big Boy" measures 5' wide and about 13' tall. By comparison to the other local pipes, it is not only BIG, but its base is square. Lucky for the artists, we have four flat walls to paint! The initial design plans are to paint the entire pipe, including the cylinder top pipe. Top to bottom. It's going to be beautiful! |
April 23. 2024 began Day 1. The power washing and removal of decades of loose paint. Power washing showed us the paint layers, the graffiti and eventually the concrete. Power washing will continue on Day 2. Chihaus has really helped us because
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the first steps are all about paint removal. A clean surface is needed for the sealing and waterproofing. Without a clean surface all the mural painting would simply flake away.
Volunteers will be asked to lend a hand with the prep work. The goal is to have the pipe prepped and ready for painting before our summer departure.
Mural painting will begin in the Fall. How hard will the painting be? Consider it to be paint by numbers. Following a grid system will allow for easy painting. Yes, we will be asking for painters! When completed "Big Boy" will become a new photo opportunity for walkers and bikers. Because of its size it will be spectacular. But creating the art piece is expensive, we estimate about $800-$1000 in supplies.
Yes, we are accepting donations. We have already received some funds which will cover the power washing expenses. Purchasing the sealers and waterproofing is where the costs will add up quickly. The sealing and waterproofing will be done by the end of the month.
Donations will be accepted by Bonnie Fogg and Patty Stone. Cash, check or PayPal will work, just let Bonnie know if you are sending money.
We appreciate the support of our community,
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Stay tuned and watch as the Big Boy IP project moves forward. We will use our community website blog to share the process. Come back again -- pictures of the process will be shared.
Cheers/Bonnie
Posted on April 6, 2024 3:32 PM
I am so excited to watch the transformation!
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