This spring, Leadership Otsego County applied for a grant during the Community Grant Program to fund a mural on the west-facing wall of the Chamber of Commerce building as their class project. They unveiled the rough draft mural during the grant presentations in March and were awarded funding from the Arts and Culture Fund and the Gordon G. Everett Family Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation.
Leadership Otsego County is a program of the Gaylord Chamber of Commerce that is designed to identify emerging leaders in Otsego County who might participate in future civic leadership roles. It will provide them with the essential leadership skills to plan for and respond to future Otsego County challenges, while helping them gain an understanding of the various sectors of the community and the needs within each sector.
This mural, by artist J. Eden, is a testament to the beautiful recreation and activities that Otsego County is able to provide. People travel from all around the world to visit this area and the mural captures the essence of what people are traveling here for and will offer a fun, colorful postcard-like place for people to take their picture.
“Gaylord is the Gateway to the North. It encompasses an outdoor lifestyle, so collaborating with the Tourism Bureau utilizing #alloutdoors for promoting Gaylord and it’s offerings seemed like an obvious choice. The mural is adjacent to the Iron Belle Trail, located on the west wall of the Chamber offices and immediately noticeable as people enter downtown for all to enjoy!” noted the Leadership Otsego County Class.
Erin Mann, Toni Straughen, Justin Hacker, Paul Gunderson, Ben Elliott, Teri Watts, Leanne Etter Padgett, Kristy Thorley.
For additional information about the Leadership Otsego County program, contact the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-732-6333 or paul@gaylordchamber.com