At St. Anthony Catholic School, in Columbus Grove, artist Oscar Velasquez has been busy at work. Velasquez has been working on a painting of St. Anthony and followers, but wrapped up the mural in the school's gymnasium on Tuesday. The gymnasium canvas was a first for the locally-renowned artist.
Making the mural possible, student council members, known as "The Chosen Ones," came together to honor their school. Each of them drew what they thought the mural should look like, and Velasquez took pieces from each sketch, and incorporated them into the final piece. The mural showcases St. Anthony walking with others, showing off what the children originally set out to paint, a cross. Velasquez says, working with the kids, and around other students throughout the school, was the best part of the project.
When asked if he plans on slowing down anytime soon, Velasquez said he can still hold a paint brush in his hand, and already has next summer's murals planned out.