Monday, September 21st, 2020

Armstrong mural unveiled

From staff reports
Photo by Dan Melograna/The Daily Standard

First on the Moon Committee members revealed the Neil Armstrong mural created by John Cerney on Sunday afternoon at Maple Lane Farms.

WAPAKONETA - A roadside mural of Neil Armstrong created by a prominent California artist was unveiled Sunday along U.S. 33, highlighting the area's ties to the first man to walk on the moon.
The mural, featuring Apollo 11, the moon and a likeness of Armstrong, is located at at 17595 U.S. 33, Wapakoneta, and is the only roadside mural in Ohio by artist John Cerney.
Cerney reportedly contacted the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce in May, wanting to pay tribute to the first man to walk on the moon with an "oversized" mural near his hometown.
Cerney is known for his giant, freestanding wood murals placed throughout the country. Once a year, he reportedly donates a mural to a community to find new audiences and to have fun with his form of public art.
First on the Moon Inc., a newly formed nonprofit organization which develops and implements public arts and humanities programming and legacy initiatives to promote Wapakoneta's identity as Armstrong's home, reportedly assisted in Cerny's efforts to bring his work to Ohio.
"We're thrilled that John approached Wapakoneta with this unique opportunity," FOTM vice president Rachel Barber stated in a press release. "This work of art will capture the imagination of the thousands of folks who travel on U.S. 33 each day, and will further our goal to highlight Wapakoneta and Ohio's unique relationship with Neil Armstrong, first person to walk on the moon."
Photo by Dan Melograna/The Daily Standard

John Cerney gestures as he talks about his Neil Armstrong mural during the dedication ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Maple Lane Farms.

Subscriber and paid stories on this date
COLDWATER - Local Democratic candidates and supporters gathered in Coldwater Memorial Park Saturday, calling for support and strength and encouraging civic action before and after the November election.
CELINA - Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Mercer County over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases to 986.
Mercer County
Weekend Area Roundup
Shawnee wins Moeller Invitational
Compiled by Gary R. Rasberry
Area boys golf teams took to the course of the Mercer County Elks on Saturday for the annual Jordan Moeller Invitational, which honors the memory of the 2008 Marion Local graduate and golf team member.