The children’s room at the Minden branch of Webster Parish Libraries has a fresh new look, thanks to muralist Kristy Nix of Springhill, whose floor-to-ceiling artwork now wraps the space in a colorful celebration of classic storybook characters and woodland whimsy.
While the room was already a charming and inviting space, library staff decided it was time for an update, and Nix’s vibrant, detailed murals have brought a new level of enchantment. During a recent visit, children could be seen exploring the scenes, excitedly pointing out characters and spotting tiny ladybugs and dragonflies hidden among the trees and flowers.
“I’m very proud of this project and I hope people will enjoy it for generations to come,” Nix said.
The artwork includes familiar figures such as Bambi, Peter Cottontail, Curious George, and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, along with colorful flora, fauna, and woodland creatures. Most of the characters were selected by the library, but Nix added a few personal touches—like a possum inspired by the book Playing Possum.
“I’ve always had an affinity for possums,” said Nix, who also has a permit through LDWF to rehabilitate wildlife. “During the time I was painting at the library I was rehabbing a baby possum that was injured.”
Though the project took several months to complete, Nix worked in phases due to other obligations, including her animal rescue efforts. Originally, she planned for the murals to match the style of her commercial window art, but the reaction from library visitors prompted a change in approach.
“After I hung out at the library for a few days and saw how excited everyone was about it, I took a step back, slowed down and really put everything I had into it,” she said. “Window art is temporary but this will be here to be enjoyed for a very long time.”
Throughout the mural, Nix included tiny insects like dragonflies, ants, and ladybugs as “Easter eggs” for children to find. “Kids were noticing them while I was still there painting,” she said.
One detail was added after a young visitor named Jaxson noticed something missing from a popular character. “He was excited to see Pete the Cat but kept talking about his shoes,” Nix recalled. “I figured out he was talking about the book Pete’s Brand New Shoes. After he left I went back and added shoes to Pete the Cat for Jaxson. He came back later and was happy that Pete had his shoes on.”
Nix’s love for art began early, nurtured by her grandmother, Mamaw Gay Holder, who was born in 1900. “We would spend hours sketching and painting so I think that’s where it all started,” she said. “She taught me her love for art and nature.”
In addition to this project, Nix has painted in-home murals and seasonal window art for area businesses. Her regular clients include Harper GMC, The Farmer’s Daughter, Harris’ Corner, Minden Coin, The Corner Drugstore, and Buds n Blooms in Springhill. She accepts commissions when her schedule allows and shares updates and availability on social media.
Now complete, the murals offer an imaginative, welcoming backdrop for young readers, enhancing a space already beloved by families and staff alike.
