Walk, Explore, and Discover with the Wheeling Public Art Trail
By: Alex Panas
Public art isn’t just pretty to look at, it’s how we tell a community’s story. And here in Wheeling, we have a lot to say! With new murals popping up all over town, Wheeling Heritage, a nonprofit dedicated to Wheeling’s revitalization, set out to document this art and allow folks to see Wheeling’s entire collection of public art in one place. The “Wheeling Public Art Trail” launched in 2022 and has continued to grow ever since.
From colorful murals, like the Wildlife Mural along Wheeling Heritage Trail, to sculptures like Bobo the elephant on Main Street, the Wheeling Public Art Trail has documented over 70 works of art created by artists near and far since its creation. This digital collection is housed on Wheeling Heritage’s website, allowing users to see all of the artwork pinned on a map.
During your next visit to Wheeling, get out and explore the local public art scene while using this helpful resource as your guide. Check out some of the new artwork that has recently been added to the Wheeling Art Trail and go on your own personalized art adventure!
Centre Market Crosswalks
In May 2024, the Wheeling Arts and Cultural Commission added new crosswalk murals at the intersections of 22nd and Market and 24th and Market Streets. One mural features an interactive hopscotch, while the other features a fish skeleton – a nod to Coleman’s Fish Market.
Commission co-chair, Logan Schmitt, said that adding art to the crosswalks is one way to help build community pride and identity. “Public art gives a place a real sense of life and vibrancy,” said Schmitt. “It gives folks a little more pride in their public spaces and helps strengthen our community. In a city like Wheeling that is changing and reinventing itself so much right now, that kind of outlook is super important.”
Sarah’s on Main Mural
While you’re in the Centre Market neighborhood, head over to Sarah’s on Main to grab a coffee or pastry and check out a stunning mural designed by artist Rachel Goodman in 2023. This art nouveau-inspired design features an array of fruits, vegetables, and flowers that are grown throughout the region. The mural gives a colorful pop to the restaurant’s courtyard, making it a lovely place to sit and enjoy a sunny afternoon.
Heritage Port Playground Mural
Created by Mindi Yarbrough and Amanda Carney, this mural is the culmination of a multi-year project organized by Orrick for their “Pride in Wheeling Day.” The first mural was completed in 2022 and has expanded to include additional murals in 2023 and 2024.
“The purpose of the murals is to inspire, uplift, and be inclusive to all. Murals foster a sense of place and pride in our city. We wanted to show support for the LGBTQ community as well as locals, families, friends, and visitors,” said Yarbrough. “We highlighted local icons like the Wheeling Star, the WV state butterfly, and the Ohio River and valley. These murals remind us to recognize the beauty in each other, our natural world, and in ourselves. We encourage folks to take and share a selfie with the wings or giant WHEELING backdrop!”
Waterfront Hall Murals
If you need to cool off and fuel up on your Wheeling art walk, then stop into Waterfront Hall and check out their latest mural installations. Waterfront Hall owner Dan Milleson’s vision for his food hall and entertainment venue is to showcase local talent, which can be seen through a diverse live entertainment and events lineup, as well as their indoor mural wall. Currently, three murals have been completed by local artists Logan Schmitt, Rachel Goodman, and Drew Gonchoff. Each reflects the artist’s distinct style with nods to Wheeling.
Create Your Own Wheeling Art Walk
If you want some inspiration for your art walk through Wheeling, stop by the Wheeling CVB to pick up a Wheeling Public Art Trail brochure, or visit wheelingheritage.org/public-art-trail to view the full digitized Wheeling Public Art Trail and create your own adventure.
If you take pictures along the way, be sure to tag Visit Wheeling on Facebook and Instagram!
Wheeling Wildlife Mural: A project of the Wheeling Arts & Cultural Commission, these paintings illustrate wildlife that can be found walking along the Ohio River on the Wheeling Heritage Trail. The mural was designed by Adam Brouillette, Isabel Bongue and Oriana Hirschberg (photo by Wheeling Heritage Media).
Bobo the Elephant: This life-sized, metal elephant sculpture was made by local metal artist, Jeffrey Forster. Other metal animal sculptures can be found throughout the park (photo by Wheeling Heritage MedIa).
Crosswalk-South: This crosswalk mural is an ode to the nearby Coleman’s Fish Market, which has been in business for over 100 years.
Crosswalk-North: Hop across Market Street with this playful mural!
Heritage Port Mural 1: Take your picture in front of the new pride in Wheeling mural (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
Heritage Port Mural 2: This wall along Heritage Port has plenty of room for art to be added year after year (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
Mindi Wheeling Mural: Artist Mindi Yarbrough posing in front of her mural at the Heritage Port Playground. (Photo courtesy of Mindi Yarbrough).
Rachel Goodman: Rachel Goodman during the creation of her mural in 2023. (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
Sarah’s on Main 1: This mural has made the patio at Sarah’s on Main even more welcoming and colorful (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
Waterfront Hall Logan: Logan Schmitt infused his signature style into this whimsical mural featuring a box turtle floating over Wheeling (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
Waterfront Hall Drew: Artist Drew Gonchoff created a mural featuring skeletons and roses – a nod to building owner Dan Milleson’s affection for The Grateful Dead (photo courtesy of Wheeling Heritage Media).
