Elyria Library unveils mural at South Branch

ELYRIA — Uplifting messages and bright colors now greet visitors to Elyria's South Branch Library. The Elyria Public Library System, Leaders of Today and the Elyria Arts Council unveiled a new mural on the rear outside wall of the South Branch Library on Saturday. The project was part of Leaders of Today's arts and culture program for 2023, which saw ideas from local students combined together into the brightly colored mural by Cleveland Mural Company artist Chad Fedorovich. Those same students then helped Federovich and volunteers from the Elyria Arts Council paint the mural — with the entire process from conception to Saturday's event taking about six months. Library System Executive Director Jennifer Starkey thanked everyone involved in the project, which was spearheaded by Leaders of Today director Marsalis Hammons. "I'm so pleased we've gotten to where we are today with all the work, the talent and the vision of the project, as well as the ideas of the students," Starkey said. "The South Branch library is a place where we really wanted to focus on being a welcoming and inclusive community space for everyone. And we really think that the mural and the sentiment behind it really captures what we're trying to build." Alongside the mural, the library unveiled a new bench sponsored by the Friends of the Elyria Public LIbrary System. Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield shared some background on the city's south side, and the mural's significance along 15th Street. "This mural is going to be an amazing addition in terms of the livelihood of this neighborhood," he said. The area was one where Polish immigrants settled, he said, and Whitfield's grandfather built his home two blocks down the street. "This was the community where he felt he could build his home at back in the 1960s once he returned from war," Whitfield said. "So there's a rich history in this neighborhood." He said the mural is like a groundbreaking toward the future development of the area — which will soon see a pocket park, and already has a thriving community garden built up. He also noted the message of positivity and togetherness in the mural, something needed if the city is going to move forward. "We're going to have to figure out a way to work together, put aside egos and agendas and find a way to work together," he said. "We know with the challenges we've had as a city we have to double down on our positivity." Hammons thanked everyone involved in the project, noting the Arts Council's flexibility and trust to allow the group to run with the students' vision. What started as a conversation in January turned into the large project, with volunteers taking time every Saturday to see it come together. Several of the students who worked on the mural remarked on how much they enjoyed the project and thanked those involved. Recent graduate Alyce Williams said Leaders of Today as given her a voice to speak out on issues she feels strongly about, including mental health — which was a key inspiration in the mural. She said she hopes to get involved in other programs like it at Ohio University this fall. Naurica Young, 17, and a senior at Elyria High School said Hammons was dedicated to allowing the students to express themselves. "He made a place where there was no creative limit," she said. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for believing and interesting us with the chance to brighten our city. The impact of your support will brighten our city for generations to come." Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.