Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
A new mural celebrating Oak Harbor's heritage and natural beauty will soon take shape at the busiest year-round intersection in Ottawa County.
Planned for the side of the NAPA Auto Parts building at State Routes 163 and 19, the artwork — estimated at 3,500-feet — will be the largest mural in the county and a vibrant new focal point for residents and visitors alike.
The project stems in part from the feedback gathered during Oak Harbor's comprehensive community planning process, where residents consistently ranked downtown revitalization as a top priority.
Oak Harbor resident Logan Segaard was one of those residents, and it prompted him to step up to take a more active role. He is a member of the Oak Harbor Development Group (OHDG) and now serves as project lead for the mural.
Segaard said that murals should tell Oak Harbor's story — both its history and its relationship with nature.
"Art can be a catalyst, activating our downtown and bringing activity to the local businesses,” he said. “That was reason enough for the Oak Harbor Development Group to become involved."
Designed by Derek Brennan and the Cleveland Mural Company, the new mural will feature wildlife of the Portage River, honoring the community's deep connection to the river and its natural resources.
It will also highlight Oak Harbor's growing appeal to birders and eco-tourists. Each year, the world-renowned Biggest Week in American Birding draws tens of thousands of visitors to Ottawa County, many of whom discover Oak Harbor shops, restaurants, and warm hospitality along the way.
Oak Harbor’s mayor, Quinton Babcock, said public art projects require the right combination of timing, community support, and resources.
"This is the first time all the pieces have come together in such a big way," he said. "We have a great design, a prominent location, talented artists, and strong community backing."
Babcock is appreciative of building owner, Rich Farmer, for allowing the use of nearly the entire NAPA building.
"We originally had a more modest concept, but the artists really encouraged us to think bigger,” Babcock said “Thanks to Rich we were able to do that without compromising space."
The $60,000 project has been fully funded thanks to the support of several key partners: Shores & Islands Ohio, The Park District of Ottawa County, The Friends of Magee Marsh, The Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife, Mr. Farmer, The Oak Harbor Development Group, The Village of Oak Harbor, and other anonymous donors.
The Portage River mural is scheduled to begin in September and the OHDG is inviting the public to help expand the community's public art footprint. Future projects could include a mural celebrating Oak Harbor's locomotive history, a series of "Easter egg" mini murals, or an artistic installation in one of the village's alleys.
"Public art is a long-term investment in our community's identity," Babcock said. "It creates a sense of pride for residents and makes Oak Harbor even more of a destination."
Those wishing to support future public art projects in Oak Harbor can contribute by mailing or dropping off a check made out to Oak Harbor Development Group at 161 W. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH 43449, or by donating online at OHDG's website: https://ohdg.org/.
The first $2,500 in donations will be matched by Kocher & Barney, LLC.
"Having lived around the Oak Harbor area for a significant period of time, I've seen firsthand how much pride this community has in its history and future," Jim Barney, Partner at Kocher & Barney, said. "Kocher & Barney is honored to support future art projects alongside the Oak Harbor Development Group and the Village of Oak Harbor. Public art strengthens communities, tells their story, and inspires future growth. We hope the community will join us in keeping the momentum going."
Work on the Portage River mural is expected to be complete during late September, just in time for the annual Oak Harbor Apple Festival.
