Culture
Mural Unveiled in Downtown Logan
By: Janey Savings | Logan Daily News staff reporter
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The Logan High School students who are enrolled in the Beyond the Bell after school program in conjunction with artists and officials associated with the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens celebrated the unveiling of the Four Seasons of Active Life in the Hocking Hills Mural on Thursday, April 16.
The unique artwork that depicts the four seasons in the Hocking Hills adorns the rear wall of North Fitness Center and Maya Burrito Company.
In addition to unveiling the artwork, a plaque was hung on the wall that tells the story of the mural. The plaque states that the mural depicts the beauty of our region and celebrates the abundance of outdoor activities in the Hocking Hills throughout the year.
Local residents can easily view the mural from Market Street or for a better view – drive or take a stroll through the alley adjacent to the Logan Post Office.
It was noted that the lead artist, Emily Beveridge, began working with the students in August and the mural was completed before spring break in March. The project was made possible by Shaun and Maria North, owners of operators of North Fitness and Maya Burrito.
Emily Bentley, member of the Beyond the Bell program, addressed the crowd of guests that gathered for the celebration.
“Thank you for coming to the unveiling of the Beyond the Bell/Dairy Barn downtown Logan mural project. Special thanks to Mr. Shaun North for allowing us to use the building space for our mural. When we began our project, Mr. North asked us to convey healthy fitness ideals represented throughout the beautiful Hocking Hills. However, we took it one step further and chose not only to represent fitness activities offered in our area – we also focused on activities offered throughout the four seasons. We hope that you enjoy the mural that our club worked on together this school year,” she said.
Beveridge, a resident of Athens, said that she has worked on other projects with Logan High School as part of the artist in residence program and with ceramic and recycling projects, but this is her first mural and she was thrilled to have an opportunity to work one-on-one with the students.
“I drew the selected designs on sheets of plywood and mixed the colors and the students completed the designs by painting them with beautiful colors that depict the four seasons. It turned out lovely and I was impressed with the students’ efforts and enthusiasm while working on the project. They were fun to work with and I believe they did a great job,” she said.
The artist said that originally the mural was going to be hung as a cube or square but wires attached to the wall made them change their plans to a horizontal design.
“Actually – I like it better because when you are looking at it – it has a good flow,” she added.
The student artists involved with the project includes Ashlee Barnett, Heather Berry, Carly Blank, Megan Blank, Shannon Dillen, Shae Gillilan, Zack Hanson, Andy Kline, Hanna Modzelewski, Megan Rouse and William White.
Tammy Meyer, youth leader with the Beyond the Bell program, also assisted with the project, as well as special assistance provided by L. K. Stanton and Anita Wasko, Dairy Barn associates.
Eli Hacker, instructor at LHS and Beyond the Bell site coordinator expressed thanks to everyone involved in the project.
“The kids really liked this project and are excited about the unveiling today. Thanks to Emily, the Dairy Barn, Mr. North and the City of Logan for installing the mural, covering it and they assisted us again today by uncovering it as well. It was rewarding to watch the mural being created from start to finish,” he said.