Summer Alley is a uniquely positioned mural that runs the length of a staircase between City Hall, 209 N.Market St., and the Lion’s Den, 207 n. Market St., Sports Shop in lovely downtown Minerva.
The artist, Darla Summer of Minerva, wanted to create an interactive colorful mural that elicited warmth and sunshine even on cloudy days. She drew inspiration from her favorite quote, one she tries to emulate in her own life. Helen Keller said, “If you keep your eyes toward the sun, you will not see the shadows.”
Bob Harris, also from Minerva, primed and painted the wall with a blue ombré design. With the combined efforts of Harris, Summer and three other talented friends, the mural took about 180 hours to complete.
The design shows the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly starting at the bottom of the stairs and ending with the adult Monarch toward the top. Summer provided the perfect photo op by leaving space for visitors to stand next to the magnificent wings, creating the illusion that they were the butterfly. For more photo experiences, Summer added giant sunflowers holding a rope swing. At the base of the stairs is a refurbished gondola that serves as one more unique way to snap a fun picture with friends.
The mural was funded by a grant from @visitcanton and @theminervaartscouncil.
Minerva Arts Council 