Free-standing Armstrong mural installed, dedicated in Wapakoneta
WAPAKONETA — John Cerney is still in awe of the support he received from Wapakoneta to ensure his Neil Armstrong mural installation went smoothly.
“I had so much help,” he told the crowd of an estimated 150 people who were on hand for the dedication of the free-standing art he installed at Maple Lane Farms, just east of Wapakoneta.
“And I had coffee and doughnuts, lunch, cocktails at 5…it was through the roof.”
Cerney, a California-based artist, said this is only the second time one of his projects has had a dedication ceremony to welcome it to a community.
“This experience is unlike any of my other projects; I appreciate the love,” he said. “It must be a Midwest thing.”
He told those attending a little bit of his history and how he got into this type of art installation.
His goal is to have at least one in all 50 states with Ohio marking the 24th state toward that goal.
Some of his pieces are “naturals,” including the Wapakoneta piece. Cerney said his friends in Cincinnati told him about the state’s aviation history. He said he was also intrigued by the city’s name. A quick Google search confirmed he wanted his next piece to be in Wapakoneta.
Cerney donates one installation each year; Wapakoneta was a natural in light of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
The artist worked with the First on the Moon Committee — specifically President Deb Fischer — to handle the details of finding a suitable space and the other logistics connected with the installation. Property owner Bill Shaw said it took him “about 10 seconds” to say yes.