Ryszard Manna's mural in Stargard Old Town. A tribute to the creator of mosaics.

A mural dedicated to Ryszard Mann, an artist whose life and work were linked to the city, has been unveiled in Stargard. His portrait adorns the wall of a tenement house at 3 Grodzka Street.

The symbolic unveiling of the final element of the mural—the artist's name and surname, along with the dates of his birth and death—was performed by Ryszard's daughter, Manna. The ceremony was attended by a large number of residents, artists, and representatives of the Stargard Rotary Club.

"He would be happy to know that his art inspires young people," Monika said with emotion. "Thank you for coming to remember him."

The initiator of the project was Maciej Dura-Pomarański.

"Ryszard Manna had an extraordinary personality," said the artist behind the idea. "This mural is not just a painting, but an attempt to save from oblivion one of those names that should remain in Stargard's memory."

Wojciech Makowski, the host of Sunday's event, and Wiesław Jurczyk, the owner of the hotel and restaurant where the mural was created, contributed to the project. The costs were covered by the Rotary Club of Stargard.

"It's a breath of immortality for the artist, a reminder that his work can still inspire," says club president Piotr Wawrzyszko. "The mural will not only honor Manna, but also revitalize our Old Town."

The artist who painted the mural at 3 Grodzka Street, adjacent to the Old Town Square, is Maciej "Kreda" Jurkiewicz, known in Stargard for his earlier projects at Primary School No. 5 and in the Pyrzyce housing estate. The mural, which he created on August 11th in Stargard's Old Town, depicts the artist's face surrounded by fragments of crumbling mosaics. This is a reference to his work, as well as the illness he battled.

– I hope this mural will be with you for several decades – said the author of the wall painting.

Ryszard Manna came to Stargard in 1945. He was a valued artist and co-author of numerous mosaics that have adorned the city's public spaces for years. August 21st will mark the 28th anniversary of his death. ©℗

Text and photos by Wioletta MORDASIEWICZ