It’s been a long and awesome journey. 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 running a marathon… except instead of running you’ve been climbing up and down ladders, inhaling paint fumes, and making questionable life choices like “Do I really need to bend my body this way to reach that spot?” Yeah, that kind of finish line.
This mural has been a long journey—not just the two months of physically painting on-site, but the whole creative saga that started last year with sketches, designs, and me staring at the wall thinking, “Yep, that’s a big wall. Better not mess this up.”
It all began when Jeff Karns approached me and said they were opening up a distillery and restaurant in Oil City called The Exchange, located in the old historic bank building. I was immediately stoked that this would be coming to our town. I already love Side Hustle Brews, and Jeff is an awesome guy. So when he asked me to take on the mural, I was deeply honored. This wasn’t just a “paint something pretty” kind of project—it was a chance to tell a story, and to help mark the beginning of something special for Oil City.
Right after I started the design, Klee got sick, which is a whole other story, but didn’t make mural creating and creativity a priority in my brain jar.
A Design Born Last Year (and Reborn About Ten Times)
When I first put pencil to paper (also, stylus to tablet, because let’s be real, my erasers don’t stand a chance), the design was meant to capture the heart of Oil City and the story behind Side Hustle Brews & Spirits.
We’re talking Abu Dhabi roots, rolling Pennsylvania hills, the Oil City river winding its way through green hilltops, and 100 Seneca holding it all together. Add in history, connection, and more Pantone colors than should be legally allowed on one wall, and voilà—a mural was born.
Well… actually, a mural was born, scrapped, redesigned, revised, and finally landed on something that felt right. Because that’s how murals (and most of life) go.
Painting = Gym Membership I Didn’t Sign Up For
Fast forward to this summer, and there I was, living in the land of paint splatters and sore muscles. A painting this big with brushes is a full-body workout. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know existed, and some of them are still holding grudges.
But there’s also a kind of meditative magic in working that big. Standing in front of the wall every day, coaxing a story out of blank space with brushes and a whole lot of caffeine—it’s exhausting, but it’s also one of the most energizing things I’ve ever done. I’ve worked on plenty of murals in my day, but this one was one of the most challenging and pushed me out of some comfort zones.
There are over 60 portraits of real people in this mural. And anyone out there who does portrait art knows exactly how tricky and time-consuming they are. Typically, it takes me at least two weeks to complete a single portrait. At that rate, this mural would’ve taken me about two years to complete… and I don’t think Jeff was planning to keep me camped out in The Exchange until 2027.
So, I had to come up with an efficient way to tackle portraiture without losing quality. It was like speed-dating, but with faces: “Nice to meet you, cheekbones. Next!” A mix of strategy, improvisation, Klee’s emotional support, and just plain stubbornness got me through, and I’m proud to say those 60+ faces are now up there, smiling back at Oil City.
Rockstar Status: Skyler
Now, I can’t write this blog without giving a giant shout-out to Skyler, who assisted me throughout this mural. She is, quite simply, a rockstar. Skyler wasn’t just helping paint—she was helping keep me sane. From coming up with solutions, to holding down the fort when my brain decided to go full “squirrel mode,” she was there. Honestly, I think every mural artist should come with a Skyler accessory pack: equal parts assistant, problem-solver, and all-around badass.
The Finishing Touches (a.k.a. The Victory Lap)
Yesterday was the day—the moment of stepping back, brush in hand, and realizing: it’s done. Varnish has been applied and it looks… AMAZING!
I filled in the last little details, adjusted the highlights, and touched up those “oops” spots that only artists obsess over (and that 99% of humans would never notice). Then I stood there, grinning like a fool, because this wall that once loomed like a blank canvas now tells a story that belongs to the community.
Gratitude & A Little Bit of Awe
This mural is more than paint on a wall—it’s a piece of history, a celebration of connection, and a testament to what happens when you chase a big idea all the way to the finish line (and survive the ladder climbs).
I’m honored to have brought this to life for The Exchange, and I’m grateful to everyone who cheered me on along the way, Klee for being so supportive, and Jeff for being awesome to work with. And to Skyler—seriously, rockstar status achieved.
So if you’re in Oil City, swing by The Exchange at 100 Seneca Street. Grab a drink, order some food, and take a look at this big, colorful piece of our town’s story. Just don’t judge the paint splatters still stuck in my beard—I’m calling them battle scars.
Want to Paint Something Yourself?
If reading this has you itching to pick up a brush (don’t worry, no scaffolding required), join us for a Paint & Sip at The Exchange! It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these and I can tell you it is A LOT of fun!
🗓 Wednesday, September 17
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 The Exchange, 100 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA
💵 $45 per person – includes:
✔ All art supplies
✔ 2 craft cocktails
✔ Mezze platter & hush puppies (yes, we’re feeding your soul and your stomach!)
No experience needed—just bring your creativity (or curiosity), and we’ll handle the rest. 🎨🍸🍴
To reserve your spot, message us or email reservations@exchangeoc.com. Spaces are limited—so don’t wait!
Go to the Facebook Event Page For More Info
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