Oil City Mural At The Exchange

It’s been a long, challenging, and absolutely awesome journey, but yesterday I finally put the finishing touches on the mural at The Exchange in Oil City. You know that feeling when you cross the finish line after a marathon? Except instead of running, you’ve been climbing ladders, inhaling paint fumes, and asking your body to bend in ways it definitely wasn’t designed for. That is exactly where I am right now.

A Saga in the Making

This project wasn’t just about the two months of physical painting on-site. It was a creative saga that began last year with sketches, designs, and me staring at a very large, blank wall.

The opportunity started when Jeff Karns approached me about a new distillery and restaurant opening in the historic bank building at 100 Seneca Street. I was stoked to help mark the beginning of something special for our town. However, right after I started the design, Klee got sick, which understandably shifted my focus away from the “brain jar” of creativity for a while.

A mural depicting a diverse group of people in various poses and expressions, with an artist standing in front of it. The mural features a light blue outline style, capturing the essence of the local community.

The Design: Abu Dhabi to Pennsylvania

The final design captures the heart of Oil City and the roots of Side Hustle Brews & Spirits. It’s a vibrant mix of:

  • Abu Dhabi roots and Pennsylvania hills.
  • The Oil City river winding through green hilltops.
  • The historic 100 Seneca building holding it all together.
  • A “speed-dating” approach to portraiture. Because there are over 60 portraits of real people in this mural, I had to find an efficient way to paint them without spending the next two years on a ladder.
Two artists are working on a colorful mural depicting scenes and portraits of people in Oil City. One artist is wearing a bandana and holding a paint palette, while the other is observing the mural.

Teamwork and Resilience

I couldn’t have reached the finish line without some incredible support:

  • Skyler: My assistant and total rockstar. She was equal parts painter, problem-solver, and the person who kept me sane when my brain went into “squirrel mode”.
  • Klee: Even while recovering, she came out to help whenever she felt well enough, providing the emotional support I needed to keep pushing.

The Victory Lap

Stepping back yesterday to see the varnished, completed work was a moment of pure awe. This wall now tells a story that belongs to the community.

If you’re in Oil City, swing by The Exchange. Grab a drink, enjoy the history of the building, and take a look at the big, colorful piece of our town’s story. As for the paint splatters still in my beard, consider those my battle scars!

A partially completed mural showcasing vibrant scenes from Oil City, depicting people, local landmarks, and cultural elements, with blue painter's tape along the edges.
A colorful mural depicting a scene at 100 Seneca Street in Oil City, featuring various characters, buildings, and elements representing the local culture and history.
A vibrant mural at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring colorful depictions of local landmarks, community members, and cultural elements, with two artists working on the piece.
A vibrant mural illustrating the story of Oil City, featuring various scenes including the historic 100 Seneca Street building, musicians, portraits of local residents, and elements symbolizing both Abu Dhabi and Pennsylvania.
A person holding a snack while standing in front of a partially painted mural depicting various elements related to Side Hustle Brews & Spirits, including a camel, hops, and a river scene.
A mural featuring a lively scene with various characters and historical elements, depicting the vibrancy of Oil City, on the wall behind a wooden bar at The Exchange.
A mural in progress showcasing vibrant scenes and characters representing the history of Oil City, with an artist painting on the wall while ladders and tools are visible.
A partially completed mural in The Exchange, Oil City, featuring iconic local scenes, historical buildings, and numerous people depicted in a vibrant artistic style, with a wooden bar and ladder in the foreground.
A vibrant mural at The Exchange in Oil City, depicting a mix of historical and contemporary elements, featuring landmarks, people, and cultural symbols, with a wooden bar in the foreground.
A mural in progress at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring vibrant colors and various historical elements, with a person working on it while surrounded by a bar counter and art supplies.
A man wearing a 'Side Hustle Brews & Spirits' shirt smiles while holding a can of beer in front of a colorful mural depicting various people and scenes associated with the local community.
Two artists painting a mural in The Exchange, Oil City, featuring vibrant scenes of community life, historic buildings, and cultural elements. One artist works on a ladder while the other paints on the ground, surrounded by musical instruments and the mural's colorful design.
A vibrant mural at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring scenes of local history, the building at 100 Seneca Street, and diverse portraits of community members.
View of the interior of The Exchange, a restaurant with neatly stacked chairs on tables and a bar area showcasing a mural depicting the community of Oil City.
An artist painting a vibrant mural at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring various people and a prominent street sign.
A person holding a large painted mural in front of a colorful backdrop depicting a lively street scene at 100 Seneca Street, featuring various figures and elements representing the community of Oil City.
A colorful mural at The Exchange in Oil City, featuring scenes of local history, community gatherings, and cultural elements, with the text 'EXCHANGE' prominently displayed.
Selfie of two artists in front of a colorful mural depicting community scenes at The Exchange in Oil City.
Go To Mural Commission Page
Go To Our Milestones Page

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