Northwest Akron Branch

Akron-Summit County Public Library engaged us to produce a collaborative mural for the Northwest Akron Branch Library’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. We LOVE libraries, and were thrilled to have this creative opportunity to work with our community and celebrate one of its most cherished and important resources.

Mac created the design, which features the three buildings that have been home to the library over the years. He then transferred the design to holographic paper collage on two 4 ft. x 8 ft. panels for kids, community members, and staff to paint and color in. We also created a series of marketing graphics to raise awareness of the event and get people excited.

After the celebration, we brought the mural back to our studio, where Mac added more layers of paint while preserving the community’s marks, and then finished the piece with a high-grade polyurethane. The mural was then delivered and installed at the Northwest Akron Branch Library, where it proudly hangs above the entrance to the children’s books section.

Holographic paintings are a signature of Mac’s work, and have colors and shapes that shift with changes in light and perspective. Mac intentionally developed this technique to create art that is both great to photograph, but also best experienced in person.

This painting holds a special place in our hearts, not just because our kids contributed to it and see it every time we visit the library – but because we know that libraries are vital resources that inspire, empower, and serve all people.