Boggs continues with murals around area

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An artist and professor at Concordia University continues to paint murals around Seward including his newest, a patriotic mural at 210 Alvo Road.

Seth Boggs, originally from Neligh, knew he wanted to be an artist growing up.

“When I was growing up, I took all the art classes I could in high school and had a really good mentorship there,” he said.

When it came time for college, Boggs said he visited Concordia and loved it after meeting the faculty and seeing the facility.

“I was pretty much sold at that point,” he said. “I originally thought about doing architecture.”

Boggs said it was on the visit to Concordia and talking about graphic design that sold him. He also did his graduate work through the Art Institute of Boston.

Now, Boggs has painted many murals and buildings around town including the ones at The Alps Bark Park, Hobson Automotive, a wall in Beaver Crossing, Jimmy Johns and indoor ones at an apartment in downtown Seward and at The Rock Lutheran Church.

Boggs’ newest mural is at 210 Alvo Road. The mural shows an eagle in front of the stars and stripes including “In God We Trust” written on it.

“Working with the building owner, David Harman, he said he wanted something that was patriotic,” he said. “He had some thoughts in his mind, and then I came back with some interpretations of different ways we could go with it. Then we narrowed it down to the specific design.”

Boggs said he sometimes takes a photo of the wall and puts together a design.

Out of the murals he’s done, Boggs said he doesn’t have a favorite and that he’s enjoyed them all. He did mention the mural at The Alps Bark Park was the biggest wall he’s worked with.

“It was a really eye-opening experience having to cover that much square footage with spray paint,” he said. “There are sections that are painted with a brush, but for the most part, like the dogs themselves, all the stripes, for the most part, are spray painted.”

Boggs said he feels the piece was important to him because it helped him find his style and helped him become friends with Scott Dinslage.

“Just spending so much time there, I got to know Scott,” he said. “We really became friends through that whole process.”

As for why Boggs feels murals are important in towns, because engaging in public art generates excitement and ultimately leads to increased foot traffic, which benefits surrounding businesses.

“I like to think that it will influence commerce and bring people,” he said. “If you create a destination or a reason for people to stop when they’re driving through, that can be beneficial.”

Boggs also said art can reflect a community and its surroundings.

“Artwork helps express a community’s values and creates an elevated sense of awareness for community members and visitors,” he said. “Art represents life in many ways. When community members see themselves reflected in social spaces, they feel a sense of respect, ultimately allowing for people to identify with the place they are from, live in or are visiting. Art brings people together. Displaying art in public places and making it accessible to everyone inspires engagement and a feeling of belonging to a community.”