Like many other small towns looking to add interest and attract customers, Watertown, Wisconsin hangs colorful and artistic banners on lampposts throughout their Main Street business district. Haiven Evans, a member of the Watertown Sentinels Pathfinder Club, really enjoys creating her own art and has always loved seeing the banners on Main Street. She and her mother, Chelsea, both became interested in knowing more about the banners and how they might become involved, but had no idea how to go about it. They wondered “Who is in charge? Where do we go?”
Not long ago, the Watertown Pathfinder Club began working on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) honor. One of the requirements is to spend time with an official of an office or company that uses AI and explain how they use AI in their business. Pathfinder leader, Steve Mertins, attended an AI seminar and connected with an artist that used AI in his business. Steve said the artist “volunteered to give a presentation only after I assured him our Pathfinders were well behaved, interested young people.” Although somewhat skeptical, he agreed to set up a time for the presentation at the public library.
Once the presentation ended, Haiven and her mom started talking about various art projects that they had heard about, one of which was being hosted by the library. They went to the reception desk to ask about being a part of the project. Curious about the Art on Main project, they also asked the receptionist if she knew anything about the banners that hung on Main Street or who to talk to about it. Unfortunately the woman did not know and was apologetic about not being able to give any information. Just then the man that had presented the AI course came up behind them and said that he was actually connected with the Art on Main project. He told them all they had to do was apply! He had been so impressed with the Pathfinders that he was very willing to help Haiven with whatever she needed. Havien’s mother, Chelsea, recalls “It was amazing! He requested my phone number and promised that he would get us a banner the following day.”
Haiven set about designing and laying out the banner that they had learned was to be displayed in a prominent place, the busiest intersection in town! With the help of her mother, who is also an artist, Haiven painted the banner with a Pathfinder uniform on one side and Jesus with Pathfinders and an Adventurer on the other. They worked on the banner every day until the day before the banner was due. They both found it to be a great experience to share together. When the banner was finished, it was hung where all could see it, right in the middle of town!
Haiven’s prayer is that the people driving and walking past the banner would not only be interested in finding out about Pathfinders, but also about Jesus and His love for children. The long term plan for the banner is that it will hang up throughout the summer and in the fall the city will auction it off to the highest bidder. The proceeds will go back into the city fund called “Main Street Project Watertown.” This project strives to bring beautiful art created by local artists to the building walls, lampposts, transformers, and other areas on Main Street.
Haiven is grateful God has allowed her to use the talent He gave her to participate in this project.
Steve Mertins, Watertown Pathfinder Leader
Chelsea Murphy, Haiven’s Mother
Laurella Case, Communication Coordinator
