The Grendel Club Ball Mural

Nestled in the heart of East Liverpool, Ohio, "The Grendel Club Ball Mural" at 432 Walnut Street stands as a vibrant testament to community creativity and artistic collaboration. This captivating mural, a brainchild of local artist Craig Wetzel, has quickly become a must-see tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far.

About the Mural:

Unveiled during a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony, the mural showcases a delightful collection of 20 unique creatures designed by local K-3 students through a contest initiated by Wetzel. Selected from 140 submissions, these imaginative monsters were chosen for their creativity, size, color, and how well they fit into Wetzel's envisioned composition.

Over the course of 14 days and 70 hours, Wetzel brought these young artists' creations to life using ordinary house paint on the Quality Stamp Co. building's wall, which had been meticulously prepared with a dark blue background by Joey Hoyt of ProVision Painting. The mural features a diverse array of whimsical characters, from a giant sandwich with tomatoes for eyes to a blueberry monster and a clock face with horns. Wetzel's favorite is the Ohio River Monster, an imaginative creature with long-necked ducks as hair and fins along its body.

Special Features:

Wetzel added his whimsical trademark to the mural – a wooden post featuring his inconspicuous friend, Pinecone Pete. The mural's creation was documented through humorous social media updates, adding a layer of community engagement and anticipation.

Community Involvement:

The mural was made possible through funding from the East Liverpool Women’s Auxiliary Club, Heritage Thermal Services, and the Columbiana County Land Bank. The project received support from Mayor Greg Bricker, who acknowledged the efforts of Holt, ProVision Painting, and the building's owner for their roles in bringing the mural to life.

Artist Background:

Craig Wetzel, known locally for his art featuring historical buildings, ventured into a new style with this mural, focusing on children's creations. Wetzel's work will be featured in a show at the Venture Gallery in December, further showcasing his talent and community involvement.

Visitor Information:

Visitors to East Liverpool can explore this vibrant mural and other recent artworks around the city, including those on Bradshaw Avenue, Sixth Street at Bricker’s Cafeteria, and Broadway at the Museum of Ceramics. The Grendel Club Ball Mural is a testament to the power of community and creativity, making it a cherished landmark in downtown East Liverpool.