Two art installations planned for downtown this week

Wapakoneta residents will experience the creation/installation of two major pieces of public art this week, as First on the Moon, Inc., hosts welcomes the Thursday arrival of the Columbus Mural Team to begin work at the Coleman Health Services building (16 E. Auglaize Street),

as well as the Friday dedication for the sculpture soon to be installed at the Park Platz (Perry and Auglaize streets).

The Columbus Mural Team-- Khalia Carr, Freddie Crocheron, Isaac Kauffman, and John Martino-will arrive in Wapakoneta early Thursday morning to begin the creation of their 17' x 34' mural on the Parkway (west) side of the Coleman building. The team's vision for the mural was selected from eight submissions from artists across Ohio, and was the unanimous first choice of First on the Moon board members.

States First on the Moon president Rachel Barber, "We loved the color and vitality of the Columbus Mural Team's design, and know that it will connect those of all ages-but especially younger viewers-with this exciting moment in world history," said First on the Moon president Rachel Barber.

The process is expected to take approximately a week, during which time access to the Parkway ramp and steps may be restricted. Local residents are welcome to watch the progress of the painting from a safe distance and to speak with the artists, who will be residing in Wapakoneta during the mural's creation.

First on the Moon will also celebrate the Park Platz installation of the sculpture created by Allentown-based Robert and David Lepo, Lepoworks, with a brief dedication ceremony and reception, beginning at 5 pm on Friday, July 1, at the site. The sculpture includes a much-larger-than-life astronaut helmet created from

stainless steel and aluminum, as well as engraved granite and signatures in pavers from all four frogmen who retrieved the Apollo11

mission members from their capsule after it landed in the ocean.

The Parkplatz site will be completed with the installation of landscaping in the fall, made possible by a collaboration between Pratt Industries and the Keep America Beautiful Foundation.

"We know that local residents and visitors alike will love the interactive component of the

sculpture,' Barber said. "We at First on the Moon are thrilled to bring both pieces of public art to the community and to the thousands who visit

here to learn more about Wapakoneta's special connection with Neil Armstrong."

First on the Moon enhances public understanding of and appreciation for Wapakoneta, Ohio's, unique identity as the home of Neil A. Armstrong, first person to walk on the moon. First on the Moon develops and implements public arts and humanities programming, thematic events, and legacy initiatives that garner a high degree of collaboration among stakeholders and reach the widest demographic possible.

Those with questions about First on the Moon or this event may contact Barber at 419/738-4924 or wallpaperproject@bright.net.