Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historical Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wheat Ridge Historical Park unveils giant Pascal celery mural by Mark Otis
Summary
The Wheat Ridge Historical Society presented a new large mural at Wheat Ridge Historical Park completed in May 2025 by artist Mark Otis; the society described the mural's historical references and community involvement in its creation.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge Historical Society presented a large, stylized Pascal celery mural completed in May 2025 at Wheat Ridge Historical Park during the City Council meeting on July 14.
Councilor Dan Larson introduced the historical‑park feature in a short video narration, noting the mural connects to the city’s agricultural past and the post office building preserved at the park. The historical society said the mural references local history: the wagon on the mural is based on an archive photo linked to early settler Henry Lee, the man driving the wagon is identified as Bert White, and the lark bunting appears as a nod to Colorado’s state bird.
Muralist Mark Otis worked on the piece in May and used techniques including pouncing to transfer lettering and a projected outline to trace large elements; the historical society said Otis and family members painted on site each day until nightfall over several days. The society expects to display the largest study of the mural prominently in the city and said it coordinated content with the Parks and Recreation and Cultural commissions before installation. The Historical Society thanked city parks and crews, the Cultural Commission and city liaison Brandon Augenberg for logistical support.
The historical society noted the mural grows the park’s archive and public interpretation; society representatives asked the council to consider prominent public display locations rather than relegating the piece to an internal conference room.
