MANSFIELD, Ohio–Fifteen pieces of artwork destined for downtown Mansfield will be displayed to the public at the Richland Carrousel from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 6. Th event is part of the First Friday Shop Hop in Downtown Mansfield sponsored by DMI, Inc.
Local husband-and-wife artists Joel and Wendy Morrow were commissioned for the work by the Richland County Development Group Mansfield Beautification Sector to improve the appearance of empty storefronts. The Morrows’ abstract collages will be installed in the windows of 21 N. Park St. and other downtown businesses.
Additional efforts by the RCDG Sector will also be on display including the hanging baskets donated to the Central Park area and pictures of the many volunteer activities to beautify the downtown.
The artworks feature a reimagined historic Mansfield in an abstract way with pieces that depict the Vasbinder Fountain, the American Cigar Company, downtown businesses of the past, and Kingwood Center.
Wendy Morrow said she and her husband approached the work with a vision “to show reverence for the past while looking to the future.”
“Our pieces are unique. We used three-layer stencils, decorative paper and old newspaper stories and ads to remind Mansfield residents that our town is beautiful and has a rich history,” she said.
The Morrows, whose art is 2MORROWS, live in Mansfield. Both also are employed by Mansfield City Schools, Joel as an English teacher at Mansfield Senior High School and Wendy as a home instructor for the pupil services department.
On the 2MORROWS website the couple said they are honored to be completing their third public project in Richland County.
“We appreciate RCDG for supporting local artists and investing in downtown Mansfield,” they said.
Executive Director of RCDG Bridget McDaniel thanked the Morrows for their innovative contribution to downtown. She complimented the many volunteers who have worked over the past few years to improve the look and feel of the center city.
Additionally, she thanked the Richland County Foundation for their generous grants over the past three years. The grants have been solely focused on RCDG Sector activities.
“We encourage the community to stop in at the Carrousel to view these efforts and to thank some of the volunteers.” McDaniel said.
The Morrows can be contacted through their website. They also may be reached by phone at 419-774-9170 or by email at twomorrows319@yahoo.copm.
RCDG is a non-profit agency working to improve the economic vitality of the county.. The RCDG website is www.ChooseRichland.com.
