April could be the month the Anderson Hill overpass gets a little more color.
Laura Fedorko, one of the Central Kitsap teens who spearheaded the Silverdale mural project, said painting could begin in April, weather permitting.
CK teens Fedorko and Victoria Cartwright, with help from Tex Lewis of Silverdale, recruited local contractor Bob Jamison to paint portions of the Silverdale mural. Fedorko said liability regulations do not allow children younger than 17 to paint at heights more than 10 feet, so Jamison is a much-needed addition to the overpass project team.
“He really knows his stuff,” Fedorko said.
Lewis got in touch with Jamison after he discovered he worked on the Belfair overpass and Jamison agreed to help with the Silverdale mural.
Fedorko, Cartwright and Lewis enlisted the help of Joanne Tejeda, of Belfair, in September. She worked on a few murals in Belfair and created the design for the Anderson Hill overpass using a “clean air, clean water” theme. The north side of the overpass will feature a bear and salmon while the south side highlights the water aspect of the design with orcas.
“We’re really excited. It’s going to be great,” Fedorko said. “It’s really going to be an addition to the community, so we’re glad it’s finally coming together.”
Central Kitsap High School art teacher Judy Sorrels and other local artists also are working on the mural project.
The blue overpass has been vandalized a few times, but Fedorko said the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office has been great and deputies are keeping an extra close eye on the area.
“Everyone’s just been so helpful,” she said.
Fedorko said they are estimating it will cost $5,000 to paint the mural. That covers the cost of the contractor and supplies.
WestSound Orthopaedics, located right next to the overpass on Anderson Hill Road, donated $1,000 to the project and said they will donate more money if the community steps up and contributes to the cause.
Fedorko said they are still looking for volunteers to help paint the mural in April. She anticipates finishing the project in a week or two.
“We have a good amount of volunteers, but we’re always looking for more,” she said.
The Anderson Hill overpass painting team also will accept supplies including paint, brushes, rollers, trash bags and milk jugs.
As for the vehicles that travel up and down that portion of Anderson Hill Road, Fedorko said they are hoping they won’t disrupt traffic too much.
“At this point we’re going to have one lane closed since there’s a lot of traffic through there,” she said.
To volunteer or donate money or supplies to the Anderson Hill overpass project, e-mail Fedorko and Cartwright at overpassproject@gmail.com. Monetary donations also may be made to the “overpass project” account at Timberland Bank.
