Artists Sign Work in Downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY, OHIO, October 31, 2024 --- Shores & Islands Ohio, the destination marketing organization for Erie and Ottawa counties, is pleased to announce the finalization and dedication of the all-new mural on the side of their welcome center, located at 125 E. Water Street in Sandusky. This spectacular public art project has been years in the making and the organization is happy to have the project completed for the public’s enjoyment.

Shores & Islands Ohio moved into the downtown building in 2020 and had always hoped to beautify the side of the building, which was rebuilt after 2018 storm damage. Following additional work to ensure the surface was watertight, S&IO was able to move forward with plans to have a mural painted.

Several artists were engaged about the project, including Derek Brennan and Chad Fedorovich of Cleveland Mural Company, who proposed a collaboration. After their proposal was reviewed by Shores & Islands Ohio, the City of Sandusky Arts Commission, and the building’s homeowner’s association, the artists were commissioned to move forward with the project. Shores & Islands Ohio asked that the mural be representative of the region, without specifically identifying businesses or attractions. The S&IO team brainstormed on what to include and that vision was interpreted by the artists into the final creation.

The artists have worked together for years, and both have completed other area murals. The pair recently completed “The Boy and the Sneaker” at Venetian Marina on First Street. Brennan, who grew up in Sandusky, has also painted “Warblers and Wildflowers” on the building at the corner of Hancock and E. Washington streets, “Live Green” at AB Hobbies and Cycles, and several murals on the interior of The Marketplace/Hogrefe Building. Fedorovich has painted the murals at Castaway Bay and Paddle Bar in downtown Sandusky.

“As a mural artist, I’m always driving through the city searching for potential sites. I’ve been staring at this wall for a few years now and I knew if I ever got the opportunity that it would really have an impact on downtown,” said Brennan. “I just want my work to bring color and joy to people in the community and it’s an honor to be able to leave my mark in the city I grew up in.”

Shores & Islands Ohio received monetary project support from the City of Sandusky Arts Commission for the approximately 2,542-square-foot mural. According to Arin Blair, Chief Planner for the City of Sandusky, “In working with the Public Arts & Culture Commission over the past few years, murals continue to top the list of high impact, priority projects. We’re so excited to have taken part in the creation of this new piece of public art in Sandusky and grateful to Shores & Islands Ohio for taking the lead to make it happen. Public art is a key factor in creating places that are unique, memorable, and celebrated.”

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the artists returned to help dedicate the completed project and sign their names to wall as creators.

"It is incredible to see this impactful mural come to fruition,” said S&IO Destination Development & Experience Director, Amanda Smith Rasnick. “Having the support and collaboration of the City of Sandusky, the Arts Commission, the 125 E. Water St. Homeowner’s Association, the S&IO Board and staff was an integral part of this process. We look forward to the mural being an attraction in itself, a background for many photos, and a celebrated piece of art in Shores & Islands Ohio for many years to come."

Watch a time lapse of the painting of the mural, created by Sandusky’s New Departure Films: https://youtu.be/ET_EJDJblNE?si=ZBci5suBfco1pC4Q

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Images from the Mural Dedication and Artist Signing, courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hk5lqfhohggh7mu8gd6i3/AHQAiOo-MtCMOlphDJWtunA?rlkey=6nqb3qru15dzmdcg7d9bdr8mh&st=ju9v2np0&dl=0

ABOUT SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO

Shores & Islands Ohio is the Midwest’s favorite getaway. This coastal destination boasts 152 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, the best fishing on the Great Lakes, welcoming communities, rich history, a wine trail, and an abundance of family-friendly attractions. World-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park calls it home, along with Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, other indoor and outdoor water parks, animal parks, sports venues, and more. Visitors enjoy ferries and cruises to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Kelleys Island. One of the country’s best areas for spring and fall bird migration, the area is overflowing with natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation. More at SHORESandISLANDS.com

 

Media Contact:

 

Jill Bauer, Public Relations Manager

Shores & Islands Ohio

Phone: 419.625.9495

Email: jill@shoresandislands.com