When an initial plan was developed to continue the construction of more sculptures in honor of influential Minerva natives, Nathan Meadows had a mustachioed idea. “I could only think of one person and the idea instantly came to mind of what it should look like, Jim’s mustache. Oversized and interactive,” stated Meadows. “Nothing defines a man more than their mustache, and Minerva Mayor Jim Waller was no exception.
The search began to look for an artist to fulfill that vision. “David McDowell was recommended to me and once the idea was pitched, he was hooked. He knew exactly what I was envisioning and he succeeded in bringing it to life.”
Located in Mayor’s Park, on the corner of N. Market and Line streets, the sculpture honoring long-time Minerva Mayor Jim Waller was dedicated in his memory on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. A crowd of close to 70 people attended the dedication, including several of Mayor Waller’s family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow community members.
Mayor Waller, who passed away in May 2023, served first on Village Council and then as Mayor of Minerva for 37 years. During his tenure he oversaw many projects including development of the Minerva Senior Center.
He was also active in the Minerva Lions Club, the Minerva Booster Club, and coached little league baseball. He was honored as Person of the Year in Minerva and was elected to the Minerva High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
The sculpture was funded by Minerva Arts Council, the Village of Minerva, Nathan Meadows, Greg and Cathy Horn, and Phil and Emily Turke. The sculpture was conceptualized by Nathan Meadows and created by artist David McDowell.
Minerva Arts Council 