ReStore mural brings Athens community together through art and storytelling

For Lynn Harter, Ph.D., co-director of the Barbara Geralds Institute for Storytelling and Social Impact in the Scripps College of Communication, the mural is both artwork and narrative.

“At the Storytelling Institute, we see narrative as an art form,” Harter said. “While stories are often told through words, some experiences are expressed more fully through imagery and color. This mural tells a story in motion—of builders at work, families connecting, and a community that continues to find beauty in shared effort.”

The idea began when Ken Oehlers, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio, suggested transforming ReStore’s wide, gray façade into something welcoming. With community support, that vision took shape in bright colors and layered imagery.

“ReStore is a large, industrial building,” said Lynn Harter, Ph.D. “It now tells a story of compassion and collaboration instead of just being a building on Union Street.”

More than 150 community members contributed to that story, including artists from Passion Works Studio, employees of Habitat for Humanity and OUCU Financial, Ohio University students and athletes, Athens High School students and teachers, members of the Southern Ohio Copperheads, and families affected by childhood cancer.

Painted across the wide exterior of ReStore, the mural features scenes of everyday life: blooming trees, people building homes, children at play and a sky watched over by penguins — an homage to Andrew Bianco, whose family helped inspire the design. The penguins honor Andrew’s playful spirit and the joy he brought to others before his passing from cancer.

“Murals like this bring his spirit closer to home and give people a chance to see the world through his playful perspective,” said Amy Taylor Bianco.

Above it all, a bright yellow sun drawn by five-year-old leukemia survivor Delaney Lucas. The sun shines as a symbol of hope and resilience—which resonated deeply with student-athletes like Baily Tabeling, a guard for the OHIO Women’s Basketball team. “Painting the mural is calming, fun and meaningful, supporting causes like Passion Works, Turn It Gold, and Habitat for Humanity” said Bailey shared. 

Head coach Bob Boldon said the experience gave his players perspective. “Our athletes gain so much from connecting with the community and witnessing the courage of kids like Delaney,” he said. “Projects like this teach lessons far beyond the court.”

In early workshops at Passion Works, Delaney’s drawing became the starting point for a design that grew through months of community painting sessions.

“Watching Delaney share her love for art with friends, athletes and artists was heartwarming,” said her mother, Saveah Barnes. “Her sunshine on the mural is a perfect symbol of positivity and hope.”

Laura Platt of OUCU Financial said her colleagues valued the chance to be part of something lasting. “Our employees enjoy giving back to the community, and painting murals like this transforms spaces into vibrant stories that inspire pride and joy,” she said.

Patty Mitchell, executive director of Passion Works Studio, described the finished work as “a celebration of community collaboration and the transformative power of art.” She credited mural designer Kirby Bowman, artist-in-residence Tanner Engle, Harter, Oehlers, and OUCU Financial for bringing the idea to life, along with Carpet One Floore & Moore, which donated the paint.

For Harter, the collaboration and continuation of the story matters as much as the wall itself. “When people of all ages and backgrounds come together to share their experiences through art, they build connections that strengthen community life,” she said. “It reminds us that the world is not broken, only waiting to be restored through collaboration, craft and care.”

The mural’s story will keep growing. Passion Works is creating ornaments inspired by its imagery for the 2025 Athens Holiday Tree, extending the project’s themes of creativity and belonging into the winter season.