Restoration of the Prusheck painting will start in September because contributions have been received to pay for the project.
“We are very fortunate for the support of generous donors,” according to Margaret Egan, a volunteer with the Ely Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC).
“An anonymous donor stepped forward and contributed the entire project amount and when combined with earlier donations, HPC will be able to undertake additional public art projects at historic Ely City Hall.” Contributions totaled $7,000.
The painting was done by Slovenian-born artist Harvey Gregory Prusheck when he was in Ely around 1935.
As with many historic events, this one comes with twists and turns, including that the painting lay neglected in a crawlspace for years until discovered in 2014 by Angela Campbell and Celia Domich.
“I reached into the crawlspace at the original Community Center and pulled out the painting and I knew it was something special,” said Campbell.
Another decade passes in obscurity for the painting and in 2025, Joe Valencic, President of the Slovenian Union of America is in Ely and he identified Prusheck as a revered artist in Slovenia.
In August, about 200 people attended the “Restore the Prusheck” fundraiser hosted by HPC at historic Ely City Hall.
Residents and visitors were joined at the fundraiser by dignitaries from Slovenian, and the Slovenian choral group Krila performed.
“I was so proud to be part of an event that brought people together here in Ely to preserve this artwork for future generations,” said Campbell.
For many attendees, this was their first visit inside City Hall.
“Folks were impressed by the building’s beauty, architecture, and artwork,” Egan said.
Plans are underway to celebrate City Hall’s centennial in 2030.
Follow Ely Heritage Preservation Commission on Facebook to listen to choral group Krila.
