A large group gathered recently at Buchert Park in Mantua to celebrate the completion of the latest public art installation in the small Village. The new mural, the fourth and latest outdoor installation by Five Five Media is located on the east wall of Mantaline Corporation. It faces the playground at Buchert Memorial Park on East High Street.
The idea for the project came to Holly Michelson as she and her kids spent time at the park. In fact, the train theme was chosen since the mural can be seen from the former rail line that traveled what is now the Headwaters Hike and Bike Trail.
Michelson, who designed the mural, shared, “I chose the color blocks to make it a fun and bright backdrop for the playground.” The project was a family affair, with painting being done by Holly, Matt and Matthew Michelson. In addition, the team had help from Nancy Koehl, Nellie Park, and Ken Parker. This monumental mural measures roughly 230 feet long by 18 feet high.
At the ribbon-cutting event, the entire Michelson family — Holly, Matt, and their children Matthew, Ayana, Adah, Naomi, and Jeremiah — joined in cutting the ribbon. Toomas Tubalkain, President of DMRC, highlighted their accomplishments and thanked donors who helped fund the endeavor: the Dominion Foundation, Benner Construction, and the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC). Holly and Matt also shared a few remarks with those gathered.
Holly noted the importance of bringing art to the park. She explained, “This design remind us of an era that elevated Mantua, helping it become what it is today.” Along that same line, Matt shed light on the history of the train. Interestingly, the first shipment of goods documented on the inaugural train route was a barrel of whiskey, ordered by a Mantua farmer which was intended to be used for community celebrations. Tubalkain explained that the group of nearly 40 who gathered to toast the mural’s completion did so with apple cider instead of whiskey, since Buchert Park doesn’t allow alcohol.
Holly Michelson began the concept and design process in the summer of 2021. Approval was received in August 2022 shortly before the birth of Holly and Matt’s son Jeremiah. Work on the mural began in the spring of 2023 and was completed this fall.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by Downtown Mantua Revitalization and the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce. Among those attending the celebration were Mantua Mayor Tammy Meyer; Randy Ellis, President of the Mantua-Shalersville Chamber of Commerce; and Smith ‘Smitty’ McKee, President/CEO of Mantaline.
