Mural dedication set for Aug. 19

By Friends of the Dallas Public Library

The Dallas Public Library Forest Green Branch is unveiling a colorful new mural in its children’s section by local artist Jeremie Fletcher Bourcy. The ceremony takes place on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. The library is located at 9619 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, just south of Forest Lane. The mural, depicting an inclusive community and a giant sunflower, is dedicated to the memory of Karen Blumenthal, an author, journalist and fierce advocate for libraries who was instrumental in campaigning for the new Forest Green library.

Blumenthal, a former chair of Friends of the Dallas Public Library, died in 2020, a year before the library opened. To honor her, the Friends established a special fund to enhance Forest Green with technology, furnishings and other improvements, and the mural was funded by contributions to that endowment.

Bourcy, an artist and graphic designer who grew up near Forest Green, was chosen from four applicants under the city’s Office of Arts and Culture guidelines for community art. She envisioned a mural, entitled “Let’s All Grow Together,” that “embodies a fun spirit for the kids’ area, which revolves around literacy, the visualization of adaptation and growth.”

To complete the project and strengthen the community connection, the library invited neighborhood children and adults to underline the artwork with their handprints.

“It’s a beautiful addition to a wonderful library,” said Friends Executive Director Mary Wilonsky. “We’re so proud to continue to pay tribute to Karen and to add to her legacy in the library and the city.”

Scott McCartney, Blumenthal’s husband, said: “I’m sure Karen would be thrilled with the mural. It brightens an already lively building and makes Forest Green even more of a treasured community resource.”

He added their daughters, Abby and Jen: “were honored to be involved in the selection of this beautiful mural. We thank Dallas Public Library and the Friends for honoring Karen’s legacy.”