Pantone of the Cuyahoga River Mural Project
About the Project
The Pantone of the Cuyahoga River mural is a vibrant addition to the urban landscape of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, enhancing the city through public art. Spearheaded by the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (CVAC), this large-scale mural celebrates the colors, textures, and natural beauty of the Cuyahoga River — a vital part of the region’s identity.
Installed on the east-facing wall of CVAC, the mural is a landmark feature in the heart of the city’s cultural district. Spanning approximately 31 feet by 16 feet, it is prominently visible to thousands of residents and visitors daily, including those traveling on Route 8 and strolling along the rejuvenated Riverfront Boardwalk. This multimillion-dollar boardwalk renovation is part of a broader effort to create a more dynamic and engaging downtown space, and the mural adds a distinctive artistic element to this transformation — reinforcing Cuyahoga Falls’ mission to make art accessible and engaging for the community.
This project was made possible through generous funding from ArtsNow’s ArtsForward grant. It not only enhances the visual charm of Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, but also serves as a symbol of local pride, creativity, and cultural enrichment. Now a photo-worthy attraction in Summit County and a lasting addition to the city’s public art portfolio, the mural stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the role of art in shaping vibrant communities.
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
Check out the progression of the mural below!
Pantone of the Cuyahoga River – Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Event: Pantone of the Cuyahoga River – Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Date/Time: Friday, August 22, 2025 | 4:45 PM
Location: Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon cutting of our new mural, Pantone of the Cuyahoga River. The event was a wonderful success, bringing together community members, city leaders, artists, and supporters to celebrate this vibrant addition to Downtown Cuyahoga Falls. We are deeply grateful for the enthusiasm and encouragement we received throughout the project and at the celebration. This mural is a true reflection of what can be achieved when creativity and community come together.
Mural 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.
Artist Selection Process
CVAC received an overwhelming response from the artist community, with 21 applications submitted for consideration for this mural. 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 Kaylee 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.