Locally Created White House Mural Headed to Republican Convention

A massive hand-painted mural of the White House, created by local company Chicago Scenic Studios Inc. (CSSI), will be a highlight of the Minnesota CivicFest, taking place August 29 through September 4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event, which will be held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention (at Minneapolis' Xcel Energy Center September 1 through 4), is being produced by the Minneapolis St. Paul 2008 Host Committee. More than 150,000 visitors, including delegates, guests, and media attending the Republican National Convention, will have a chance to view the gigantic backdrop. The event's speakers will emerge from cutout doors in the painting.CSSI, an organization that designs and builds theatrical scenery, will display the 64- by 25-foot White House painting at CivicFest along with other memorabilia and exhibits, such as a re-created convention floor, an official presidential limousine, and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. CivicFest celebrates Minnesota and American history, democracy, and the U.S. Presidency. The mural is currently being painted by at least four CSSI artists on the floor of the Chicago Scenic Studios warehouse on the city's near north side.