Travelers passing by the Owen-Withee School District Forward Center have most likely noticed a mural of a majestic Blackhawk hovering over the American Flag. The mural project was inspired and came to fruition from the efforts of the family and friends of a dearly departed community member, Diane Herington. Her husband, Larry, and her family decided to take the generous memorials that poured in, to beautify the school that has been so important to the family. Larry and Kris Karaba presented this idea to the school board in the spring and after discussing the project, the board unanimously approved going forward with the mural.

Kris helped to search for and secure muralist Ray Strong and his wife Heidi who live in New Berlin, WI. Ray’s murals at the Marshfield Clinic caught their attention and the Herington family decided to offer him the opportunity to create this work of art. Since Ray does not live in the area, Larry offered to host the couple in his home while the work was being done. Ray and Heidi both said that Larry was very welcoming and a wonderful host.

Ray explained that he did the preliminary drawing on his iPad and sent it back and forth for approval. He then projected the image on the building at night and outlined it with sidewalk chalk taped to a long paint pole. “This surface is really unique,” he said. “It's like a fresco painting where I have to wet areas, and paint into it and then it soaks in and dries and becomes part of the concrete itself. So, a little bit of a learning curve with that.”

Because of the fresco-like paint process, Ray said he sees no reason it wouldn’t last 20 plus years. He said his Marshfield Clinic murals look still brand new and they were completed 10 years ago.

A bit of back story… Ray and Heidi, both fine art majors, met at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and later married. Ray’s first job was with a mural company in Milwaukee where he learned the trade of doing murals for historical homes in Milwaukee and Catholic Churches. After years of working on a team, he branched out on his own and now has over 20 years as a muralist.

The mural is a grand addition to the school façade and as it states will surely “Welcome all to Blackhawk Country” and many Owen-Withians will be reminded of Diane and her generous family.