Springfield City School District, Springfield Public Art and the Westcott House are partnering on a new large-scale public work of art: a 2,500 square foot mural by Janel Young currently underway at The Dome.
The painting process started this week, and the completion of the mural is anticipated by the end of next week. Janel Young is supported by local artists including Pete Hrinko and Matt Skaggs, and will also be joined by high school students who will actively participate in the creative process. The public is invited to a dedication ceremony planned for Wednesday, September 11 at 10:30 AM at the site of the mural.
Janel Young was selected based on her extensive and excellent artistic portfolio and particularly her experience as a muralist. Her work has been recognized locally and internationally, from New York City to the coast of Sydney, Australia. Janel spent a significant amount of time in Springfield and the region in her adolescent years. The theme and design of the mural for Springfield was selected by Janel based on the feedback from people of all ages. Five community engagement listening sessions included a public gathering at the State Theater, a session with small children at the Clark County Public Library, the Project Jericho influencers youth, 15 students at Springfield High School, as well as Young Black Professionals and Businesses of Springfield. As a result, Janel created a design that acknowledges Springfield history and growing cultural diversity while looking to the future. Her effort was to reflect a sentiment of some powerful statements by participants such as “I don’t want to make it OUT of Springfield but make it IN Springfield.”
This project was made possible by the Ohio Arts Council’s grant funding secured by the Westcott House Foundation. OAC’s ArtsNEXT grant program provides competitive funding for innovative and experimental projects. Westcott is one of the groups serving on Springfield Public Art, a committee that is a partnership of ten organizations: Art Noire, City of Springfield, Greater Springfield Partnership, Hartman Rock Garden, Project Jericho, Springfield Foundation (fiscal sponsor), Springfield Museum of Art, Turner Foundation, Westcott House Foundation and Wilson Sheehan Foundation. Springfield Public Art was responsible for raising funds locally to provide a necessary match for the state grant.
Springfield Public Art and the SCSD worked together to identify the location for the mural. The wall at the Dome was selected for its high visibility and easy access for the general public. Many families and students who attend activities at the Dome and The John Legend Theater will interact with this mural daily. “We suspect that our community members will make a point of stopping by to see and enjoy the work, just like they do other murals in town,” said Marta Wojcik, Westcott Executive Director. “We are extremely grateful to the staff and the school board for making this collaboration possible. There is a lot of good will and hard work generated from many people to make projects like this happen. A shout-out to the Ohio Arts Council for their generous support; to all the colleagues serving on Springfield Public Art for all the work to see this project through and to our community for your input and participation.”
"I am thrilled to announce the unveiling of this new mural, a powerful symbol of our District's commitment to creativity, diversity and community,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “However, I encourage you to view it as more than just art—but a bold statement of who we are and what we stand for. It represents the collective spirit of our students, staff and families, and I hope it will inspire generations to come. We are proud to have a visual reminder of the values and that define our District.”
Lo Houser, Chair of Springfield Public Art, stated, “What a poignant and powerful message that art belongs to all people and as people, we belong to each other. Throughout this year-long process, Janel has been quick to express pride in having roots tied to our Springfield community--- now this wall stands as a vibrant reminder for all of us to do the same. Springfield Public Art is very grateful to Janel for welcoming and valuing the conversations and creativity of Springfield's youth. Their influence and imprint have been woven throughout this entire process and new piece of public art.”
The artist Janel Young shared, “I am excited and grateful to bring this mural to life after a year of meaningful conversations with the community. From spending much of my youth and holidays with my grandparents and family in Springfield, to creating this mural now – it’s a full-circle moment. I have the opportunity to bring the art to the people in a way that I hope feels accessible and welcoming. I am so thankful to our team, including my family, the local assisting artists, students, community leaders and partnering organizations, who have been a great support system for me and my work since the beginning of this project.”