Painting Ottawa County's biggest mural

OAK HARBOR — Those with the Oak Harbor Development Group, a nonprofit committed to revitalizing and improving the village, recently shared progress regarding a massive mural project. "Thanks to the Oak Harbor Development Group's efforts, the biggest mural in Ottawa County is being painted at one of the busiest year-round intersections in (Ottawa) County," according to a nonprofit statement. "It's part of our continued efforts to make Oak Harbor a more vibrant place to live and visit." People can view the larger-than-life painting at the NAPA Auto Parts store on West Water Street in Oak Harbor, facing Ohio 19. Derek Brennan, a 2009 Perkins High School graduate, and Chad Fedorovich, of the Cleveland Mural Co., teamed up, once again, to create the artwork. In 2024, the pairing completed a mural project at Shores & Islands Ohio's office building in downtown Sandusky. "The mural features scenes from all our local ecosystems as well as native and migratory animals and insects," the statement read. "This project has been a full year in the making and has been made possible by our many amazing sponsors," it continued. "We are so excited for Oak Harbor to feature this mural and for our area's world-class parks to receive some well-deserved recognition. It will be painted by two incredibly talented artists." Weather-permitting, nonprofit officials hope the mural is finished in time for the Apple Festival in mid-October. "The scale of this project is in line with murals that major Ohio cities have or hope to have someday and will help establish our region as a leader in ecotourism and the arts," the statement read. "We look forward to completing future mural projects in Oak Harbor and welcome your ideas." After receiving a donation from Kocher & Barney, the project still seeks donations. People can contribute and/or learn more by visiting facebook.com/oakharbordevelopmentgroup.