07/04/2026
Once we committed to creating the mural and ordered all 750 tiles, the next challenge was figuring out how to spread the word and inspire the community to get involved.
One morning, a quick trip to Meme’s Coffee Shop for a latte and a conversation with Emily Gavilsky turned into the beginning of our marketing plan.
Emily immediately jumped in, designing our project flyer, creating social media graphics, and helping develop a fundraising strategy. She even volunteered to open Meme’s one evening to host our very first Paint & Sip event, introducing the project to the community in the best possible way.
Emily prepared delicious food, snacks, beverages, (at no cost to the Chamber) and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made our first group of painters feel right at home. It was the perfect kickoff for what would become a truly community driven project.
Throughout the entire process, Emily has been one of the mural’s biggest champions, encouraging participation, sharing our mission, and celebrating every milestone along the way. Her enthusiasm for both the project and our community has been contagious.
Meme’s Coffee Shop is one of our newest Chamber members, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the partnership. Emily’s experience in event planning, her creative talents, and her willingness to share ideas and encouragement were invaluable to the success of the Community Love mural.
Coming from a long line of proud Granite City supporters, Emily is carrying on that tradition by investing her time, talents, and heart into making our community a better place.
Thank you, Emily, and everyone at Meme’s Coffee Shop, for believing in this project from the very beginning. Your creativity, generosity, and unwavering support helped make the Community Love mural possible, and we are incredibly grateful.
