I've heard of "wallpaper," "wallflowers" and even a "Harvey Wallbanger," but I didn't know about "Walldogs." Until now, that is, and I am really excited. | Read more Susan Hazlett | MyPantagraph: Pontiac Neighborhood

"Walldogs" is a national group of volunteer artists, sign painters by trade, who travel to various towns throughout the United States to paint outdoor murals. Since 1993, the group has assembled for one weekend each summer in a city they select to receive the benefit of their artistry. And this year, that city is Pontiac.

But still; there's the name. Why "Walldogs"?

You may remember back in the day when people drove along the road and saw signs that advertised, "See Rock City" or "Bull Durham," among others. These signs were created by groups of traveling sign painters who did a job in a day or two and then moved on to the next assignment. It was a tough life and they "worked like dogs." Thus, the name.

Bill and Jane Diaz of Pontiac, and their sons Joe and Ben, are members of the group and hosts for the Pontiac event, called "Running with the Dogs," which is next weekend, June 25-28.

Eighteen murals will be painted, depicting mostly historical scenes or subjects relevant to Pontiac, including local benefactress Harriet Humiston, Route 66 and threshermen. Ideas for subjects came from folks in the town. You can check out sketches, plus all the activity information, at http://pontiac.diazmedia.net.

Each mural will cover one wall of a prominent building, mostly located in the downtown area. And to make sure the buildings were ready to receive such a coating, some building owners took advantage of the city's tax increment financing program to help pay for structural repairs.

"Everyone will see the turnaround," Jane says. "We have some of the top artists in the United States working on this. Their early sketches have been coming in and people love them. They are going to look really cool all over town."

Over the past two years Pontiac, my hometown, has had its share of challenges.

There was a devastating flood and the threat of losing a major employer, the Pontiac Correctional Center.

But the town is bouncing back and "Running with the Dogs" will be a great boost for the city and residents.

Around 150 artists will come to Pontiac for the event, many staying with townspeople who have volunteered to open their homes to the visitors. Some are coming from as far as Germany, Canada and Mexico.

The Diaz family has really put a lot into this event, organizing the project leaders and artists, ordering materials and paint and even collecting supplies.

"The town has been great. We have volunteers coming out of the woodwork.

"Anything we've asked for, from tents to rags to cans, people show up with it. It's amazing, but that's Pontiac."

The benefits of the event should last for many years. Obviously, there are the murals themselves, which can last from 5 to 15 years, depending on the materials used. And there's curiosity, which hopefully translates into tourism.

"The murals will encourage people to come downtown. The Route 66 Museum and the War Museum have been a draw for people and we believe this will be an attraction, too."

It will be quite the sight, to watch 18 murals being painted throughout the town in just three days. I expect my hometown to be buzzing with activity and excitement.

Says Jane, "Bring your lawn chair, set up behind the groups and watch the fun."

I plan to take her up on the invitation.

Contact Susan Hazlett at susanrhazlett@yahoo.com or write to her in care of The Pantagraph, 301 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61702-2907.

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