To remember her 15th birthday, all Savannah Johnson has to do is go past The South Forty on South Main Street in Shawano.
On Aug. 9, Johnson and several of her friends painted a mural titled “A New Day” by Romero Britto on one of the walls.
Savannah’s mother, Magda Johnson, tries to think of something different and positive for her children’s birthday parties.
“We usually try to find something to entertain the youth,” Johnson said. “Something they can do, a service to the community.”
Johnson said she got the idea when she saw one of the artist’s pieces while traveling in Miami.
“We needed a wall,” she said.
After exploring other locations in the city, she settled on The South Forty, next to the Mountain Bay Trail, and got permission from the owners, Jim and Patty Schweitzer, and the go-ahead from the city. Sherwin-Williams gave them a discount on the paint.
“We’ve always tried to teach our children that they should always be engaged in a good cause and we believe that even small things can make a difference,” said Savannah’s father, Dr. Derek Johnson.
Before the painting could be started, the wall was power washed and primed. MJ Wegner from Mountain Bay Outfitters projected the image on the wall so the girls could outline it. The girls painted for four hours.
“They were so good working together,” Magda Johnson said.
The location next to the trail ensures the mural will be seen by many people. Magda Johnson said she already has received several positive comments, including a family driving by who stopped and backed up to talk to her about it.
“We hope that it will brighten someone’s day,” Derek Johnson said.
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