In Uptown Westerville, the Amish Originals building at 38 N. State St. is undergoing an exciting transformation.
A once vibrant, now faded, two-decade-old mural on the south exterior brick wall of the custom furniture store, along East Main Street, is being replaced with a new artistic piece focused on “Peace,” envisioned by Columbus artist Adam Hernandez.
After two years of planning and coordination led by Katrina Plourde, President of the Rotary Club of Westerville, the Uptown Review Board gave its nod of approval on April 4, to installation of Hernandes’ design for the new Rotary Peace Mural.
The new Rotary Peace Mural will cover the full 75 feet wide by 20 feet tall exterior brick wall of Amish Originals, prominent in the first block of East Main Street. It will cover the mural installed on the wall in 2004.
Hernandez’ design was chosen by a panel of Rotary Club of Westerville members, community members, and Amish Originals representatives. Hernandez’ design was chosen from among five finalists.
These finalists were chosen from a national call that attracted 92 artists from across 30 states and Canada, all vying for the opportunity to contribute their vision to Uptown Westerville.
The choice of the “Peace” theme is both a reflection of the community’s aspirations and a strategic aesthetic choice.
“It’s a really pretty straightforward piece. Peace could be so broad, so we didn’t want it to be so in your face. But also, we wanted what is peace- and community-building. The community-building aspect of peace. We wanted it to be bright and visually appealing,” explained Plourde in a recent interview.
This approach aims to weave the notions of harmony and community into the fabric of Westerville, using art as a conduit for shared experience and dialogue.
The location of the mural, the Amish Originals building, was carefully chosen after considering other potential sites due to various logistical challenges. The decision to place the mural here was strategic, given the building’s visibility and the need to refresh a space that once depicted local businesses no longer present in Uptown.
Work began on Monday, April 9, with cleaning and a new coat of white paint over the old mural. Hernandez aims to have a substantial portion of the mural completed by April 20, in time for the Westerville Art Hop. The Art Hop takes place across Uptown from 1-5 p.m. that Saturday.
CAPTION (ABOVE): A rendering of artist Adam Hernandez’ design for the new Rotary Peace Mural being installed Uptown, on the East Main Street exterior wall of Amish Originals. The design was approved by the city’s Uptown Review Board April 4, and the artist hopes to have the mural complete in time for the Westerville Art Hop, taking place Saturday, April 20.
The Rotary Club of Westerville
Founded in 1959, the Rotary Club of Westerville is a service club of business professionals and leaders working to improve our community and larger world. We are part of Rotary International. Find out more at WestervilleRotary.com. Contact the Club and learn how to join at www.westervillerotary.com/contact-form. Read more about the Rotary International organization at Rotary.org.
Interested in joining?
The Rotary Club of Westerville is accepting applications for new membership.
The best way to pursue membership is to contact an existing Club member, and attend one of our lunches or events as her or his guest. Members of the public also are welcome to attend our events on their own, to see what our service club is all about. If possible, please give notice of your intent to attend a luncheon or social by emailing WestervilleRotaryEvents@gmail.com.
We hope to see you soon!