By Quinn Andersen, staff intern

It took three weeks for 4-H’ers to create the 40-foot-long display of paintings that now hangs in the Conservation Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

The paintings show animals in their natural habitat, fitting for the Conservation Building, where grounds such as the Audubon Club and Fountain Lake Sportsmen set up during the Freeborn County Fair.

“It was a challenge to get the different environments to blend,” said 4-H youth adviser Cammie Tennis.

When Tennis was approached about creating the painting for the Conservation Building, she had to think what was most appropriate. Tennis and 24 volunteers decided to paint scenes of different environments taking the viewer from sunrise to sunset.

Employing various landscaping, animals and lighting, Tennis tried to teach the kids about painting in layers.

“It was fun because we got to paint and hang out,” said student volunteer Bethany Tennis.

Volunteers came from the Freeborn 4-H Club. Students and their parents both helped to complete the project.

“My favorite part was seeing it all come together,” said student volunteer Kristen Hahn, “It started as pencil scratches and now it’s finished.”

The painting shows grasses and a farm, in the early sunrise glow, that turns into a pond and a small marsh area. Hills off of the marsh turn into Bethany’s favorite scene, a forest at night time.

The project was funded by a grant the United Way of Freeborn County received from Valspar.

In the past the same grant was used to create the murals on the Culligan building and on Quiznos in Albert Lea. This fall they will create a mural at the Albert Lea Aquatic Center as well.