In the heart of Wichita, Kansas, AkzoNobel Aerospace and GracoRoberts have found a unique way to celebrate their powerful growth and enduring partnership over the last thirty years. At the brand-new GracoRoberts Wichita facility, a monumental 70-foot-long mural now adorns a lobby wall, commemorating more than three decades of collaboration between the two aerospace industry leaders. This magnificent mural, the product of a creative collaboration with local artists Paintology, is more than just a work of art; it's a testament to the strong connection, shared values, and enduring success of our two companies.
The mural serves as a welcoming beacon for all who enter the facility. It stretches along the lobby wall, leading the way to the distribution warehouse, repackaging area, and the Intermix Color Lab.
The collaboration with Paintology, a talented local husband and wife team, brought the AkzoNobel and GracoRoberts partnership to life through art. The team is led by Rachel Downs, a former theater professional turned painter, and her husband, Michael Downs, a creative director and graphic designer.
After the initial planning discussions with the GracoRoberts’ team, Michael created a 3D rendering of the design. Rachel and her team projected the design onto the wall for sketching and tracing, and then began the tedious process of taping off each of the graphic elements. All images and logos were painted with a white basecoat to ensure maximum effect of the bright color palette once applied. Attention to detail was key, and the results communicated the 3-dimensional elements that you’d have to see to believe. We’ve captured the complete mural application process in a time-lapse video below, compressing nearly three weeks of work into 30 seconds.
As you gaze at the mural, you'll notice elements that pay homage to the companies' shared history. You'll see hues representing AkzoNobel's iconic brand, both companies’ passion for growth and upward movement, and the Wichita community's vibrancy. The extensive color palette speaks to GracoRoberts’ Intermix Paint Services, a service which enables GracoRoberts to color-match, blend, and tint up to 10,000 possible colors for customers using AkzoNobel’s high-performance paints and coatings.
The mural doesn't just capture a moment in time; it tells the story of how our two entities have evolved, succeeded, and thrived in partnership. The mural is not just a decorative piece; it's a narrative, a story told through color and shape, capturing the essence of the companies, our Wichita roots, and the successful path that we have traveled together.
The mural is for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a guest, a valued customer, or a prospective client. It's a symbol of openness and inclusivity, inviting anyone who visits the facility to be a part of this remarkable journey.
As time passes, the mural will continue to serve as a visual reminder of the enduring partnership between AkzoNobel and GracoRoberts, one that has not only stood the test of time but has also continued to grow and flourish. The mural is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to aerospace industry excellence and the shared vision for a brighter future. This mural stands as proof that true partnerships, like fine art, are meant to be admired, cherished, and celebrated for years to come.
Learn more: AkzoNobel Aerospace
Learn more: GracoRoberts Intermix Paint Services
