Mural, building restoration project latest effort of ONCRC

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center was created to provide information about natural and cultural opportunities for learning and recreational experience, while promoting responsible resource stewardship.

The center partners with U.S. Forest Service, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Mines and Pioneer Forest (L-A-D Foundation). Each has a display at the Center, as well as the Missouri Trappers Association.

In addition to the information provided about the area, the center provides an 1,800 square foot space for short-term exhibits. As the northern gateway to the riverways, ONCRC aspires to be the first stop for everyone wishing to explore the region's nature, culture and heritage.

ONCRC is a non-profit organization operated entirely by volunteers. It is managed by the Salem Area Community Betterment Association.

The center was donated to SACBA by Farris Craig and the Craig Family Foundation. The foundation continues to support the annual operating fund for the center.

SACBA has been a driving force of creating positive change in the community since its creation in Dent County in 1994.

Various exhibits are displayed throughout the year at ONCRC. Monthly exhibits reflect the regional natural and cultural resources, plus opportunities to participate and volunteer. A team of dedicated volunteers staffs the center Monday through Friday, during the open season of March through December.

Art Across the Ages is a community art show each spring displaying artwork of students and adults in the area; Trees and Trains is a holiday display that has come to be a community favorite with participation from various businesses, organizations, and individuals; quilt shows and many other exhibits including a look back through Dent County's history are offered each year.

ONCRC was selected as one of six host sites for the Smithsonian Institute's Crossroads: Change in Rural Communities traveling exhibit planned for March 2024.

This month a forest products exhibit is open. H. E. "Hank" Stelzer, PhD, Associate Professor of the School of Natural Resources and State Forestry Extension Specialist will visit 10 a.m. Saturday to discuss a white oak, whiskey and wine project.

Mural Project

A committee of volunteers comprised of SACBA board members has met over the past few months with renowned, award-winning artist, David Spear. Spear works with the Missouri Department of Conservation as exhibit editor and designer, as well as freelance work for various entities across the state, including murals. He lives in Columbia and taught for five years at the University of Missouri as an adjunct faculty member.

His mural plan for the exterior of the ONCRC was created after a design session with ONCRC volunteers, Salem Area Arts Council members, high school art students and agency partners. The mural incorporates a variety of items and "Easter eggs" that are special to the Ozarks. Easter eggs in paintings or other art forms are hidden references found in a work of art. Some of the elements include a barred owl, springs at Montauk, Dent County Courthouse, black bear, Montauk hatchery, fishermen, Welch Spring, canoer, hellbender, a lumberjack cutting white oak, horseback riding, short leaf pines, farmland, a brown bat and dozens of other features and characters.

"We are so excited about this project, and muralist David Spear is planning to start in July, so it's becoming very real," said ONCRC committee member and SACBA Board Vice President Sarah Massengale.

A fundraising goal has been set of $145,000. This sum includes renovations of the building, in addition to the mural by Spear.

"We’ve currently raised over $60,000 of the goal. The total fundraising campaign includes additional building improvements such as roof repair, priming, window sealing and other updates, and the cost of the mural by David Spear," said Massengale.

Several entities have donated and shown support of the project thus far, including the L-A-D Foundation, $31,500; SACBA/ONCRC, $12,800; Industrial Development Authority, $10,000; and Dent County Tourism and Tax Board, $5,500. Other funding and in-kind support has been committed to the project by Julie Holmlund, Roberts-Judson Lumber Company and memorials to honor long-time center volunteer Mike Rocoberto.

Anyone is welcome to donate to the project. Salem Area Community Betterment Association ("SACBA") is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to SACBA are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Your gift supports both current and future revitalization efforts.

For further information or to donate, visit www.salemcommunitybetterment.com/donate or mail donations to SACBA, P.O. Box 732, Salem, MO 65560.

The center is located at 202 South Main Street (Highway 19). Extended hours may apply during certain exhibits.

Call (573) 729-0029 for more information on ONCRC, or visit oncrc.org.

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