‘Pantone of the Cuyahoga River’ Mural Project
About the Project
The ‘Pantone of the Cuyahoga River’ mural project is an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing the urban landscape of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls through public art. Spearheaded by the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC), this large-scale mural will celebrate the colors, textures, and natural beauty of the Cuyahoga River, a vital part of the region’s identity.
The mural will be installed on the east-facing wall of CVAC, a highly visible location along Riverfront Parkway, ensuring it becomes a landmark feature in the heart of the city’s cultural district. The mural’s placement—spanning approximately 31 feet by 16 feet—will allow it to be prominently viewed by thousands of residents and visitors daily, including those traveling on Route 8 and strolling along the newly rejuvenated Riverfront Boardwalk. This multimillion-dollar boardwalk renovation is part of a broader effort to create a more dynamic and engaging downtown space. The mural will add a distinctive artistic element to this transformation, reinforcing Cuyahoga Falls’ mission to make art accessible and engaging for the community.
Why This Project Matters
At CVAC, public art is an extension of our mission to foster an appreciation of visual arts through education, exhibition, and community enrichment. The ‘Pantone of the Cuyahoga River’ mural reflects our core values by:
- Bringing Fine Art into Public Spaces – The mural transforms a utilitarian wall into a vibrant artistic landmark, making fine art accessible to all.
- Celebrating Local Identity – The artwork will highlight the Cuyahoga River’s dynamic colors and textures, honoring its historical and environmental significance to the region.
This project is made possible through generous funding from ArtsNow’s ArtsForward grant. It will not only enhance the visual charm of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, but also serve as a symbol of local pride, creativity, and cultural enrichment. The mural will be a photo-worthy attraction in Summit County and a lasting addition to the city’s public art portfolio. Installation of the mural is planned for the summer of 2025.
Artist Selection Process
CVAC received an overwhelming response from the artist community, with 21 applications submitted for consideration. The selection committee, comprised of Danielle Dieterich, Executive Director of CVAC; Kayla Billings, Programs Manager of CVAC; Kit Palencar, Exhibitions Manager & Faculty Member of CVAC; and Kayleigh Piper, Executive Director of the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership, carefully reviewed each submission. After an extensive evaluation process, Derek Brennan, a Cleveland-based artist, was selected to lead the project.
About the Artist: Derek Brennan
Derek Brennan is a Cleveland-based muralist and fine artist known for his large-scale public artworks and encaustic paintings. His journey began in 2007 as a theme park caricaturist, leading him to earn a BFA from Bowling Green State University. Since painting his first mural in 2016, Brennan has completed nearly 50 murals, including one of Ohio’s largest public murals, a 728-foot piece for the Elevate the East campaign in Cleveland. His work can also be found at MetroHealth, The Cleveland Museum of Art Community Arts Center, Cleveland Public Auditorium, and throughout Sandusky and Fostoria.
Derek operates a gallery and studio at 78th Street Studios in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood, where he continues to explore his passion for public art. Through his murals, he strives to inspire curiosity, spark conversations, and bring fine art into everyday life.
- Website: www.derek-brennan.com
- Instagram: @derek_t_brennan
Community Engagement & Meet the Artist Event
Meet the Artist: Derek Brennan at Akron Art Museum
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 12:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Akron Art Museum | Main Gallery & Auditorium
Registration: Free and encouraged – link coming soon!
Join us for an afternoon celebrating community, creativity, and connection at the Akron Art Museum! We invite the public to meet Derek Brennan, the artist behind CVAC’s upcoming mural Pantone of the Cuyahoga River, as part of this free community event.
The event kicks off at 1:00 PM in the museum’s Main Gallery, where patrons can connect with fellow art enthusiasts, enjoy interactive activities, refreshments, and fresh popcorn, and meet Derek before his formal presentation.
At 1:30 PM, Derek will take the stage in the Auditorium for a 30-minute talk about his artistic journey, his mural process, and the inspiration behind this vibrant new addition to Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. A brief Q&A session will follow.
Following the presentation, guests will be treated to a private guided tour of the Akron Art Museum’s current feature exhibition, She Said, She Said. The event will conclude around 4:00 PM.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required but encouraged – please come and be a part of the conversation!
Project Timeline
The mural is scheduled for completion in August of 2025. This project is a significant addition to Cuyahoga Falls’ public art portfolio, reinforcing CVAC’s mission to bring fine art into the community in a meaningful and accessible way. The Ribbon Cutting is scheduled for August 22, 2025, at 4:45 with a reception to immediately follow.
The ‘Pantone of the Cuyahoga River’ project is made possible through generous funding from ArtsForward, an ArtsNow initiative.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
Project Site: Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, 2131 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
The mural will be installed on the east-facing plaster wall of the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, covering a flat area of approximately 31’ by 16’. The project will include the flat wall space, door, doorway, window sill, and any protruding architectural features.