Vibrant mural unveiled at Seward theater to honor owner’s legacy

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) — The iconic Rivoli Theatre in Seward has unveiled a vibrant new mural to honor its late owner.

Julie Wisehart was considered a social butterfly by the community and known for her love of art.

It was this passion that inspired her husband, Chuck Wisehart, to hire local artist Seth Boggs to create a mural to memorialize her legacy.

The artwork features pink and orange milkweed flowers under a large monarch butterfly.

SEE ALSO: 82-year-old who ran Seward theater ‘was the epitome’ of community

It can be found on the north side of the theater, attached to the family’s video store.

“You see that butterfly extended beyond the box right there on top,” Chuck said. “She was always working beyond the box.”

Julie purchased the decades-old theater, which once showed silent movies, in 1979.

She purchased a total of three buildings on Steward’s Main Street and later bought an additional theater and second video store in Crete.

Despite often working seven days a week, Wisehart raised four kids and later several grandkids and great-grand kids, too.

Known for her colorful personality and ability to talk to anyone, she also played an active role in the Seward Women’s Club and the Seward Arts Council.

Jeanna Wiemer, president of the arts council, considered Julie a dear friend and led fundraising efforts in previous years to help contribute to her theater.

The mural itself was funded by Julie’s funeral memorial.

“She got along with everybody,” Chuck said, then joking, “Not like me. I’m not much of a conversationalist. But she was a great woman. Just a great, great woman.”

Chuck said his daughters now take care of the Rivoli Theatre, more evidence of their mother’s impact.