Glenwood Lutheran Church Announces ‘The Change Wall’ Mural Project
Glenwood Lutheran Church is pleased to announce that work on The Change Wall, a new mural project executed by local muralist Dean Davis, has begun on an exterior wall at their 2545 Monroe Street location in Toledo, Ohio. The mural image is inspired by an illustration depicted in Amanda Gorman’s illustrated children’s anthem Change Sings. The original illustration itself was created by renowned author and illustrator, Loren Long. In the book, a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, where they learn that they have the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities, and most importantly in themselves.
John Eikost, a local arts supporter, says he felt compelled to bring the illustration in Gorman’s book to life on a real wall in his hometown of Toledo.
“It’s such a striking image, and I thought it would be beautiful to have it on a mural here in Toledo,” Eikost said.
Thanks to the help of Pastor Chris Hanley, Glenwood Lutheran Church was identified as the home for the new mural.
As an historic, inclusive and multicultural church located next to the Toledo Museum of Art, Glenwood Lutheran Church felt like an ideal fit for the mural,” said Eikost.
Along with a portrait of Dr. King, the mural will feature action words that serve as “conversation starters” about how community members can turn their words into deeds. The project has been dubbed “The Change Wall” with the hope that the art and the messaging will inspire individuals to make necessary changes to improve lives for the community and beyond.
“We are excited about how this mural aligns with our vision and how it might inspire community members to connect and make a difference in their neighborhood,” said Pastor Hanley.
Ruth Whittle, a longtime Glenwood member, stated “I’m excited about the mural because it’s now a teaching wall. Just like Dr. King taught about love, the church should be a place that teaches love and practices love.”
Initial support was secured through a micro-grant from the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the ELCA, a Neighborhood Beautification and Improvement Grant from the Old West End Association, a gift from Ascension Lutheran Church, and many individual donations. In addition, attendees at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration held at Glenwood Lutheran Church in 2023, gave a significant gift to bring this mural to life to continue the legacy of Dr. King’s vision for church and for community.
Over time, many supporters and volunteers have contributed to the success of the project. Once the back wall of the church was restored, muralist Dean Davis was able to begin painting. Work on the mural has concluded for the winter months, but a community participation component is currently being planned for Spring 2024.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing and those interested in helping support the project may go to the church’s website, www.glenwoodlutheranchurch.org , and click on the mural button. You also may reach out directly to Pastor Chris Hanley at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Glenwood Lutheran Church is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to this project are tax deductible as allowed by law.
This mural project will also enhance the visual and artistic beauty of the neighborhood, especially for the thousands of annual visitors to the Toledo Museum of Art, Glenwood Lutheran Church’s neighbor.
Contact:
John Eikost Chris Hanley
Mural Project Coordinator Pastor - Glenwood Lutheran Church
419.764.3394 847.899.4829
[email protected] [email protected]