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Mar. 28--Muhlenberg Township is asking for ideas on how to best portray the township in a work of art. The township has hired an artist to paint a mural inside the municipal building that will reflect Muhlenberg's past as well as its future. The mural's contents will depend a lot on input from the public and the Muhlenberg Township Arts Board. The only non-negotiable requirement is that the mural somehow must depict Henry A. Muhlenberg, a prominent Berks County resident for whom the township was named when it was formed in 1851. The township has hired Reading artist Ernesto Camacho to paint the mural on a wall in the commissioners' meeting room. Camacho will be paid $2,500. The township hopes to obtain a grant to cover the cost. Camacho expects to have a sketch ready by the end of May, then begin the mural in September. It will be 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall. "I really don't know too much on the history of Muhlenberg," he said. "The feedback from residents will be very helpful." Camacho studied art at Kutztown University and said he has created murals in Atlantic City, N.J.; the Reading Public Museum; and Viva Good Life Bistro and Lounge in Wyomissing. Steven C. Landes, Muhlenberg parks and recreation director, suggested sprucing up the meeting room with a mural instead of framed art or photographs. "This would be one way we could feature the arts," he said. Karen Regenfuse, township recreation supervisor, interviewed more than a dozen artists before selecting Camacho. "He has a lot of enthusiasm," she said. Township Commissioner Roger Voit said he became familiar with Camacho's art while working with him at Trans Continental Direct, a direct-mail company in Muhlenberg. He encouraged Camacho to apply for the mural project. "I've seen his portfolio," Voit said. "His work tells a story. I thought he would be the perfect person." ----- Copyright (c) 2006, Reading Eagle, Pa.
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