Local artist paints for city

LANCASTER – Lancaster is lucky Jer Giles, noted area Muralist and Decorative Artist, gets involved in community projects like 4^th Annual Oktoberfest, the Fall Festival Fundraiser for the 40 year old Lancaster Historical Society

The event will be held Oct. 10 at the Historic MKT Depot and Rose Garden and on Town Square.

As a promotional tool, he designed and painted the scenery for the float seen in the Christmas Parade in December 2008 and the Martin Luther King, Junior Day Celebration Parade in January 2009

With a BFA in Theatrical Design and Production, 10 years in professional theatre with three shows he’s painted on Broadway, and more than 25 years as a Muralist, he is well suited to see the big picture, to visualize the entire scope of the project.

Working with co-chairman of the event Peggy Smith and Randy Rostad, they have created a virtual map of the festival grounds adding information directly onto the Web site, www.lancasteroktoberfest.com and updating schedules as more entertainers, vendors and sponsors get on board.

Jer Giles keeps himself involved with the Lancaster Historical Society and has assisted in building and painting scenery for the "Lancaster: Legends and Legacy" exhibit at the Old Red Courthouse and Museum in downtown Dallas running through Nov. 1.

Jer Giles is no stranger to painting for public events. He started painting carnival rides for the State Fair of Texas in 1975. In 2002 the State Fair of Texas commissioned Jer to paint Big Tex for his 50^th Birthday.

Last year, 2008, Jer painted a new belt and belt buckle for the icon of the State Fair.

Jer enjoys sharing his vision, talent and time with Lancaster his hometown since 1973.

He was appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee, served on Planning and Zoning before becoming Chairman of P&Z for five years.

He has painted murals for the Animal Shelter and the clock on Town Square and thoroughly enjoys his time working on Oktoberfest.

"I grew up in a time when you volunteered and gave back to the community.

"Oktoberfest is raising money to preserve Lancaster’s history. I’m just glad to be a part of it."