In a celebration of artistic ingenuity and community spirit, the Ohio County Public Library (OCPL) welcomed attendees to an eagerly awaited event on Tuesday, August 22. The library was buzzing with excitement as guests gathered at noon for the unveiling of a new mural created by local artist, Vondel Bell.
The mural, titled “Colors and Thoughts,” is a colorful representation of intellectual and creative brilliance located on the library’s southern wall. Vondel Bell’s artistic prowess shines through in his portrayal of two iconic figures, Maya Angelou and Albert Einstein, side by side. The vibrant colors and intricate details capture the essence of these remarkable personalities, drawing a bridge between literature and science.
"Colors and Thoughts" can be found in the young adult section of the OCPL (photo by Wheeling Heritage Media).
Vondel revealed his latest mural to dozens of attendees and stated to the crowd that this has been one of his favorite projects to create. Vondel’s artwork can be found a several locations throughout Wheeling, including the McLure Hotel, Nelson Jordan Center, Heritage Trail, and Bridge Street Middle School.
Vondel designed a mural for Bridge Street Middle School that features inspirational athletes.
After the mural reveal, the celebration continued in the OCPL Auditorium with complimentary refreshments prepared by Table 304. Sean Duffy, programming director and local history specialist for the OCPL, explained the library’s goal for the mural project was to help brighten up the library while celebrating important historical figures. The event attendees were then treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the mural’s creation through an enthralling time-lapse video. As the images sped by, the audience marveled at Bell’s meticulous process and the evolution of the mural from concept to masterpiece. The reception continued when local musician Ezra Hamilton took the stage for a live music performance, adding another layer of depth to the celebration.
READ MORE: Wheeling Seeks Artists for New Mural Project
The OCPL’s Lunch With Books series once again proved its success by curating this remarkable event celebrating local talent. Attendees had the option to participate in person within the OCPL auditorium or to join the event virtually via Facebook or YouTube, catering to a diverse range of preferences.
As the mural now graces the library’s interior, it serves as a testament to the power of art to bridge cultures, generations, and disciplines. The unveiling of this new mural stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to art, culture, and the celebration of human intellect. It was a moment that will be cherished for years to come, leaving a colorful mark on the tapestry of Wheeling’s history.
You can check out this new mural for yourself by visiting the OCPL during business hours: Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Check out all of the library’s upcoming programs for kids and adults by visiting ohiocountylibrary.org.
• Alex Panas is the Program Manager for Wheeling Heritage, where she works with artists, small business owners, and community stakeholders to provide technical assistance and create meaningful programs that enhance Wheeling. She also serves as the managing editor for Weelunk. Alex lives in St. Clairsville with her husband where they raise four cats and four spunky backyard chickens.