Twenty-two artists have completed the “Tracks of Time” mural, creating the longest and largest mural in Council Bluffs.
Tracks of Time is painted on the FIRST AVE trail-facing wall of Katelman Steel at 2030 2nd Avenue. Stretching 560 feet, the length of an entire city block, the mural tells the story of steel, from its cosmic origins to its role in shaping industry, railroads and everyday life in the community.
The design spans 21 train cars, each painted by a different artist as a mini mural. Together, the works form a timeline that blends art, history and imagination into a public art installation.
Tracks of Time was created in partnership with the City of Council Bluffs, The Iowa West Foundation, Katelman Steel Fabrication and A Midsummer’s Mural, led by Richard Harrison, founder of A Midsummer’s Mural. Harrison coordinated the project and mentored the team of artists who brought the vision to life.
“First Avenue is an example of how patience, persistence and planning can create an iconic community amenity,” said Brenda Mainwaring, president and CEO, Iowa West Foundation. “The Iowa West Foundation is proud to have been a partner with the City of Council Bluffs from the beginning. Iowa West has helped fund land acquisition, construction and now art and activities that bring First Avenue to life. We can all take pride in this innovative development opportunity running through the heart of Council Bluffs.”
The murals along FIRST AVE are fully funded by Iowa West Foundation, with no tax dollars used for their creation.
“We are grateful to the Iowa West Foundation for supporting the vision and funding the murals along FIRST AVE,” said Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh. “Thanks to Iowa West for their continued investment in Council Bluffs, and thanks to the 21 artists for lending their creativity and skill to our city’s portfolio of art.”
The Tracks of Time mural was also made possible thanks to the generosity of Tony Hovenga, owner of Katelman Steel Fabrication. Hovenga provided both the wall and his partnership, making it possible to turn a functional structure into a lasting piece of public art for the community.
Harrison, who contributed and led the project, reflected on the collaborative nature of the project.
“Tracks of Time is more than just a mural,” said Harrison. “It’s a living history told through 22 unique voices. Each artist brought their own perspective to the story of steel, but together we’ve created something larger than any of us could have done alone. It’s a testament to collaboration, craftsmanshi, and community pride.”
The mural was created by 22 artists: Richard Harrison, Dany Reyes, Dayci Luttrell, Jeanette Johnson, Mary Ensz, Morgan Cronk, Jair Rodriguez, Jennifer Waltemath, Kimberly Swanger, Ethan Robles, Amelia Koneck, Hugo Zamorano, Mike Giron, Nicholas Conrad Miller, Daniel Castaneda (Sedra D’), Kathy Hoang, Holly Carey, Josh Audiss, Jasmine Young, Zach Storz, Rebecca Storz and Anne Newman.
