Mantua – “We just finished another mural, and I’m so excited to show you guys!” Local photographer and Mantua business owner Holly Michelson (@fivefivemediaco) shared via online video. Michelson, the creative visionary behind Five Five Media Company unveiled the latest work of outdoor art to make an impression in the Village, and local ice cream shop, The Chilling Station, is the latest to be adorned.
Michelson worked together with artist Amanda Wascovich (@mand.ala); this colorful combo paired up again to add another splash of color to the seasonal Main Street business. Wascovich shared, “It was such a playful design to paint, bringing visibility to the beautiful location of the Chilling Station, overlooking the water.” She continued, “We thought the kids would love the ‘Superman’ flavor best. I mean, how can you resist such a colorful treat?!”
According to Michelson, the design originally called for scoops of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla on the cone, but when visiting the shop with her son’s baseball team, Michelson noticed how all the boys would order the brightly colored ‘Superman’ flavor. “So we decided, that’s the flavor!”
“This is a fantastic interactive mural too,” Wascovich added. “It’s a great place to take a selfie by grabbing or “tasting” the cone!” For selfie-challenged folks, instructions are included directing them to “stand here for selfie”. This latest mural is the second completed in Mantua by Michelson and Wascovich; the first adorns the north-facing wall of Restoration 44 Coffee Shop.
According to DMRC President Edie Benner the latest mural is made possible with help from her organization, just like the previous mural. She noted that the organization worked along with property owner, Chilling Station owner Phil Rath, to help fund the installation. She noted that the DMRC is looking to add more color to the historic village, and hopes to install a large-scale mural along the east wall of Mantaline, facing Buchert Park and a smaller mural facing south on Prospect Street as well.
“We planned to do at least six murals originally, but the approval process has been slower than anticipated.” In an effort to help streamline the process, the forward-moving organization has developed a checklist the organization will be sharing with Village Council’s Planning Committee to help expedite the process.
Wascovich noted, “For outdoor murals, it’s weather dependent, so this summer time is a great chance to paint our hearts out. We lucked out with nice “cooling weather” while painting at the Chilling Station, too!” So when you’re in the area, make sure to stop by to see the mural. And don’t forget to grab a scoop, because like the mural declares, “There’s always room for ice cream.”
