Denison BFA student Mel Wienandt ’26 unveiled an 800-square-foot mural in downtown Newark, Ohio, this spring, partnering with Newark groups to paint a thought-provoking work that claimed space for pride, resistance, and dignity.
The mural, titled We Will Not Be Erased, We Will Leave an Imprint, emerged from nearly a year of community planning and dialogue. It was created in response to Licking County commissioners’ long-standing refusal to recognize Pride Month and Overdose Awareness Month. The discussion also encompassed a “camping ban” enacted by Newark that primarily affects homeless individuals.
Wienandt said the mural gives a sense of collective resonance and voice by featuring bold, unblended color blocks embedded with text submitted by community members.
The project marked a shift in Wienandt’s practice. Influenced by an internship with Philadelphia Mural Arts and the text-based work of artist Glenn Ligon, she leaned into language and political imagery to produce a joyful, affirming visual statement.
“It’s the most courageous work I’ve done,” she said. “But it reminded me why art like this matters.”
The Newark Ohio Pride Coalition and OhioCAN/Newark Homeless Outreach partnered on the project, which was funded in part by Denison’s Mary G. and G. Harold Osborne Fine Arts Opportunity Fund. To learn more, read The Reporting Project’s article about the mural’s unveiling and community impact.
