Public Art Pops Up on Post Street
Jordana Bungard installs one of the new pieces (Michelle Waters)
Installed in Spring of 2023 by the Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee, the Post Street Mural Gallery has provided a vibrant pop of public art along the river trail. The three sculpted metal frames created by artist Todd Morrow each showcase two works of art by local artists, creating a whimsical open-air gallery. This spring, the gallery was updated with six new pieces of art for the community to enjoy!
The six artworks were selected from dozens of submissions. The gallery’s featured artists for this installation are Mason Beuhring, Chase Chovan, Jolene Powell, Maggie Bogdan, Sue Goff, and Belinda Armstrong. The curated collection showcases a variety of style and media, with some pieces depicting local scenes and others being more abstract representations.
“Having my art displayed publicly means a lot to me,” said artist Mason. “As an artist, I wrestle with so much doubt and insecurity. Knowing that there is a local community that invests and appreciates artists like me is an encouraging reminder to keep pushing myself and my abilities.”
Mason’s piece, titled “Appalachian Resistance,” features a heron trapped by thorns. “I chose the heron (a native bird) because, like the Appalachian people, this bird is hauntingly beautiful. The way it flies and even its gait is majestic, but it has this ominous look and feel to it… like it has experienced and survived dark times,” he said.
“The thorns represented are also native to our region. I think a lot of the problems that face Appalachia are home-grown, but yet the people continue to rise up and cut through the adversity that seeks to bind us.”
Each piece on display is artfully framed by Morrow’s metal sculptures, which were created using found objects. The frames have distinct personalities and if you look closely, you may recognize gears, springs, car parts, or repurposed tools. The frames feature a double-sided metal panel with vinyl applied to each side featuring the artwork, visible to both pedestrians on the walking path and drivers along Post Street. Installed by Jordana Bungard of West Side Sign Co., the vinyl is durable and weather-resistant.
Maggie Bogdan’s piece, titled “A New Perspective,” was inspired by the feeling of discovery that comes from being beneath the surface of water and features an underwater snorkeling scene.
“I wanted the painting to feel immersive, almost like stepping into another world for a moment,” said Maggie. “The piece is playful, and I hoped it would give people a sense of curiosity and escape as they pass by, bringing a more whimsical underwater perspective into a riverfront setting. It felt connected to the spirit of water, exploration, and recreation that already exists in Marietta.”
Maggie said being included in a public art project like this feels like a real honor, especially in a community-centered space with local history and character. “Making art in solitude can often be a very isolating experience so there’s something special about creating work that becomes part of everyday life and can be encountered by anyone passing through,” she said. “I love the idea that someone biking, walking, or visiting the riverfront might pause for a moment because of the piece, or that it might spark imagination or joy for a child.”
The 2026 Post Street Mural Gallery is sponsored by JustAJar Design Press, Wark Accounting, the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival, Sue Boyer, and Zane and Margaret Lazer.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse and talented pool of artists in our region. Each piece showcased reflects the unique skills, creativity, and techniques of the artist behind it,” said Jen Tinkler, Executive Director of Marietta Main Street. “I am truly in awe of the talent now on display along the bike path. Together, these works have transformed the space into a vibrant public art corridor that begins as visitors walk through the tunnel beneath the Putnam Street Bridge and guides travelers all the way down Post Street.”
There will be a public ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Mural Gallery on Friday, May 29th at 4:30 pm at the corner of Post and Butler Streets.
Learn more about the Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee and ways to support public art installations in Marietta by visiting www.mariettamainstreet.org/public-art.
All photos by Michelle Waters!
The Marietta Main Street Public Art Committee facilitates the placement of temporary and permanent two and three-dimensional artwork throughout downtown Marietta to enhance and enliven public spaces, as well as the community’s sense of place and identity. The committee partners with local and regional artists to honor the unique history and heritage of Marietta. In addition to coordinating and installing public art, the Public Art Committee aims to unite and promote the community of artists that reside in our region through a variety of art-enriching events.