Mural shows historic pride, future optimism

Lorain’s newest work of public art is on the wall.

The mural was painted, not hung, on the alley side of Speak of the Devil neighborhood cocktail bar, 201 W. Fifth St.

The mural is a recreation and update of “Lorain,” one of the many city names printed across the front of postcards.

The look is 20th century Americana with nods to the city’s past, Lorain now and optimism about the future.

The mural is a community effort with the artists, the business and the Lorain Proud movement of the Lorain Historical Society, which contributed to the cost of the work, said Kurt Hernon, who started Speak of the Devil with his wife, Page.

On Nov. 7, they gathered with artists Mike Sekletar and Brian Goodwin, Lorain Historical Society Executive Director Barb Piscopo, Mayor Chase Ritenauer and a number of family members and friends.

The dedication ceremony featured nonalcoholic apple cider inside before moving to the alley.

Sekletar and Goodwin have become known locally for their work, including the mural “In Valor There Is Hope” for Valor Home veterans housing center and the painted tributes to veterans in downtown Amherst.

The imagery inside the letters have an old-school look with references to success in the future, Sekletar said.

He credited the Hernons for their work and the new Brew & Stew, which opened quietly last month at 630 Broadway.

They said they would like to do more work around Lorain.

“It’s a privilege for us to be here,” Goodwin said.

With prospects looking up for revitalization along Broadway, Kurt Hernon asked the group to continue supporting the local businesses.

“There are reasons to be in downtown Lorain now, so please be in downtown Lorain,” he said.