Murals, differing in shapes, sizes and colors, hold a variety of meanings.
“As we develop creative safe places for our multigenerational community it is imperative that we understand our history and our culture. When we know our history and culture— from art and music to our greatness and legacies— we thrive as people,” said Alicia Smith, Junction Leadership Committee Member and City of Toledo Youth Commissioner.
And like the varied citizens of Toledo, each mural depicts a different story. Recently, jazz legend Jon Hendricks was memorialized on the wall at the Frederick Douglass Community Center. As the mural was being finished, visitors were treated to jazz and some education— specifically learning what murals are all about: telling stories.
1. Safety Net by Chris Rodriguez, Zepf Center, 424 W. Woodruff Ave. | | 2. Anatomy of a Wing By A Fink, 14th and Adams St. | | 3. Handmade Flowers by Ouizi, 1717 Adams St. Handmade Toledo | | 4. The Blue Wall By Elsa Furia, On Adams St. between 14th and 15th St.
Legends, brick by brick
By Roger LaPointe
With piercing eyes firmly focused on the future, jazz legend Jon Hendricks is center stage in a new mural that now greets visitors to the Frederick Douglass Community Center. At the dedication unveiling event November 6, the paint was hardly dry on the classic black-and-white likeness of the man that Al Jarreau called “pound-for-pound the best jazz singer on the planet— maybe that’s ever been.”
Artist Jason Vahle was putting the final touches on the multi-colored background as the event was being set up. Collaborating artist Victoria Stegner said, “I was introduced to Hendricks through the mural. It’s really cool. Our work is already getting him attention.”
The thought was echoed by David Ross, a member of of the Arts Commission Creative Placemaking Team, who commented, “Legends such as Jon Hendricks are as important as the people they influence. Greatness can be contagious.” The mural was a group effort that also included Dominique Lloyd and Darius Simpson.
Attended by family and friends, Hendricks’ niece, Bonnie Hopkins accepted a commemorative plaque. City Councilwoman Yvonne Harper noted the importance of the event: “Back in the day, there were a lot of (music) clubs on Dorr Street. It was so active. It would take me an hour to get to the other end. The area was all about music,” she said, recalling other musicians who also performed in the neighborhood, including Art Tatum, James Brown, Nat King Cole and Jackie Wilson.
The evening ended with music by the University of Toledo Vocalstra and an open jam session, complete with commentary by local jazz icons Tadd Weed and Ramona Collins.
