The Ontonagon Murals
 A Review

The Ontonagon Murals were painted in 2002 with a grant provided by the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies through their Community Partners Program.

These grants enrich communities by bringing people together, showcasing what is unique and important to an individual community, creating art together as a community, and sharing that creative process with all.  This experience incites positive change in a community by developing new skills and laying pathways for future development.

The three murals are located along the Ontonagon River on the side of two old fishing shanties.  The theme of the murals depicts what was once a thriving fishing industry of the late 1800's and early 1900's. This industry died out with the unfortunate introduction of the sea lamprey into the Great Lakes, killing off the fish and consequently a unique way of life.

Ontonagon was then a bustling port with a developed lumber and mining industry.  Today, only a few of the many fishing shanties that once lined the Ontonagon River remain; two of these provided space for the murals.

Ontonagon fisheries had supplied such delicacies as whitefish, lake trout, and "lake superior oysters" (fish livers).  These "oysters" were so prized that they were shipped off to Chicago and New York restaurants.

Local women could be seen down on the docks collecting various fish in their aprons to cart home for supper.  One mural, painted by artist Paul Wilson, illustrates this busy time of day when the boats would bring in the catch of fish.  On his mural are fishermen, dockworkers, a house wife and children running about.

Another mural by artist Kerri Corser pictures the Ontonagon Lighthouse, the fishing tug "The Tramp", and a figure of an old fisherman looking out over the lake.

The third mural, painted by artist Carol Huntoon, is of an underwater scene, and was most successful by directly involving the community residents. Children came on the sight to paint wooden fish that were then mounted onto the mural.   It is a joyful, colorful scene and one that local children have continued to add to. They will be able to bring their own children here someday and re-tell the story of Ontonagon's fishing history.

The mural serves another purpose.  When the existing bridge crossing the Ontonagon River is relocated to a site further upriver  traffic will be diverted away from downtown businesses.  The murals, which will be seen from this new bridge site,  will hopefully intrigue travelers back through the downtown area and to the mural sight.

The murals are located on "The Island", just along the boardwalk of the river, across from the Ontonagon Harbor. There are many other areas of interest in the immediate vicinity:  the Ontonagon Historical Museum, the Ontonagon Lighthouse, the River Street Center Community Arts and Youth Center, many local gift and specialty shops, restaurants, parks, and beaches.

Come and visit.  See a bit of this area's rich history and experience the Ontonagon River for yourself!