Details:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/24/2025
Athens, Ohio –The Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Vibrant New Community Mural
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Street Mural: July 4th, 11am
Athens, Ohio – The Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force is thrilled to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony for a newly completed community mural. This mural is located in the curb bump-out at the intersection of Watt St. and E State St. on the eastside of Athens, across from the Village Bakery & Cafe. The ribbon-cutting event will take place on Friday, July 4th, at 11am, directly followed by light refreshments on the Village Bakery’s front porch.
Titled “The Migration”, this vivid mural was created by Wren Denny, a local artist, with a design selected by popular choice in an online poll. Denny’s colorful work features a salmon run, with the quote “Wherever you go, there you are.”
The mural’s creation was a collaborative effort. Following Task Force input, City Engineer Saleh Eldabaja green-lit the bump-out at Watt and State as a traffic calming device in fall of 2024. The installation successfully dropped the average speed on E State St. back below the legal limit. It also gives drivers a better sightline of people wishing to cross to and from the neighborhood.
Now the bump-out has a third purpose: housing Athens’ first street mural.
“The mural is beautiful, eye-catching, and will hopefully make people slow down and appreciate the beauty of Athens,” said Christine Hughes, co-owner of Village Bakery & Cafe.
This mural was made possible by a micro grant from the City of Athens, paint from Sherwin Williams, the concentrated efforts of Task Force member George Turner, and the members of the public who voted on the mural’s design.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from the artist, Wren Denny, as well as light refreshments from the Village Bakery & Cafe, who are sponsoring the event. The public is invited to come enjoy this new piece of public art up close and have an opportunity to talk to Task Force members about upcoming projects.
The Athens Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force was created by City Council in 2023, following the City’s acceptance of the 2023 Pedestrian Accessibility Report. They promote walking and biking as part of a transportation system and provide leadership and expertise to City Council and City staff. This street mural is a pilot project in what they hope will become a new Athens tradition.
Contact:
Stephanie Hunter
Member of The Pedestrian Accessibility and Bicycle Task Force
740-818-7684
hunterstephanies@yahoo.com
