New mural will celebrate ‘Holley is Home’

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Mary Jo Whitman works on a mural today with a message “Holley is Home.” Whitman, an artist from Batavia, is a 1995 Holley graduate.

She received a $7,500 grant through the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council to create the mural which is on the Geddes Street side of the Heath and Heath law offices at 66 Public Square.

Holley Mayor Mark Bower approached Whitman about creating the mural that will include Holley landmarks. She has already painted the Salisbury Fountain, the Holley Waterfalls, and the gazebo by the canal. She will be adding the old Holley High School and the block of storefronts that incudes Sam’s Diner.

Whitman started painted the mural on site about two weeks ago. She said the project should be complete by the end of October, and possibly sooner if there is a nice stretch of conducive weather.

Bower said he has heard lots of good feedback from the community so far, and he is amazed by how realistic her work is of the local landmarks.

Here is how the mural looked on Tuesday. The painting will go higher, just below the second floor windows.