“Abundance of color” : Mural at Belgum Grove shines

The mural at Belgum Grove completed over the summer. Photos by Elena Wolff.

This summer, something colorful came to Bur Oak Land Trust’s Belgum Grove. Elena Wolff, a former AmeriCorps member at the Trust, created a mural on the shed at the entrance of the property, which she says, “reflects the joy and vibrancy that radiates from the heart of a native Iowa prairie.”

Belgum Grove is just a short drive southwest of Iowa City and has been the site of the Trust’s Music on the Prairie concerts for several years. The mural is almost a mirror of the landscape on the 40-acre property. It features many native plants, butterflies and a single bur oak tree. Here’s what Wolff had to say about her project:

What do you want people to know about [your mural]?

EW: I really wanted to showcase the beauty of a native prairie to this area. I drew inspiration from local prairies I visited, as well as the landscape at Belgum Grove so that the mural is an accurate depiction of what one can find in an eastern Iowa prairie. There are 13 different native prairie plants featured in the mural, as well as four native butterfly species.

How did you decide on the design?

EW: I was inspired by the lone bur oak tree atop the hill prairie at Belgum Grove. I wanted to reflect the summer landscape around me in my mural and incorporate as many native prairie flowers as possible.

How long did it take you to paint?

EW: In total, I put in 120+ hours of painting. I began the mural on May 25 and completed it on July 25.

How do you feel about the mural?

EW: I am really happy with the end result. I was definitely a little rushed at the end but managed to see my full design through. I love the abundance of color and interest throughout the mural and feel it reflects the joy and vibrancy that radiates from the heart of a native Iowa prairie.

What did the experience mean to you?

EW: Throughout this experience, I often questioned my artistic abilities and my decision to take on such a mammoth task. I do not have a background in mural painting, so I often felt way in over my head. However, as the mural slowly came to life, I began to feel more confident in myself and my artwork. Looking back, I am amazed by my determination to see this project through. Even when it seemed there was no end in sight, I was able to keep pushing myself because I wanted to see my sketch and my vision come to life. Overall, this experience showed me that I am capable of so much more than the limitations I have set in my mind.

Anything else people should know?

EW: A huge thank you to my good friend and fellow crew member Haley Burken. She was super helpful during the painting process and great company during those late night painting sessions. Also, another equally huge thank you to Bur Oak Land Trust for supporting me and supplying me with the materials I needed to complete this project.

Detail of a Monarch butterfly.

Wolff posing in front of her mural.