Whitehall, MI – May 1, 2025
The Colby Street Pocket Park mural project is officially underway, and the community just got its first look at what’s in store.
Stephen Hargash of Frankenmuth, Michigan—chosen from over 40 applicants—will be bringing a 12-foot-tall by 120-foot-long (1,440-square-foot) mural to life in downtown Whitehall this summer. The mural will transform the wall at CatchMark Technologies’ building, creating a vibrant centerpiece for the park.
At a recent community engagement session hosted by the ACWL-Nuveen, Hargash introduced his draft design and explained his creative process.
A Community-Inspired Vision
Erin Peyer of the Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center said, “This mural has been a dream since around 2020. We started with an idea, and now we’re seeing it come to life.”
The mural selection committee—made up of representatives from the Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen (ACWL-Nuveen), CatchMark Technologies, the City of Whitehall, community representatives and the White Lake Community Fund—narrowed down 40 applicants to three finalists, who were each asked to submit a concept design.
Before designing, Hargash reviewed extensive community feedback gathered through surveys last fall, asking residents to share meaningful words, colors, events, and landmarks that define the White Lake area. He also visited Whitehall and Montague, explored the shoreline and surrounding nature, researched local wildlife and history, and studied how people will experience the mural up close in the alleyway setting.
“The community’s voice really shaped this design,” Hargash said. “So many people emphasized our connection to nature, the seasons, sunsets, wildlife, and the beauty of this place. I wanted that to flow across the mural like music—smoothly moving from one story to the next.”
Designing for Connection
Hargash’s mural draft features a rhythmic blend of colors, local scenery, and natural elements. His vision includes seasonal transitions, depictions of the channel and Lake Michigan, bird migrations, and sweeping skies—all designed to feel immersive for people walking through the park.
He also explained how he’s planning to work with the space, including creative ways to blend the mural around existing structures like posts and stairwells to make the artwork feel even more integrated.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
During the engagement session, attendees voiced excitement and offered ideas, particularly around labeling the mural to represent both Whitehall and the broader White Lake area. Several attendees highlighted the importance of unity and suggested “White Lake Area” as a fitting term to avoid dividing the two towns the mural serves.
“This mural is located in Whitehall, but it represents all of us,” one resident noted. “It’s a celebration of our shared history and landscape.”
Hargash welcomed the feedback and assured everyone that he will continue refining the design before painting begins this summer.
“I’ve already adjusted the concept based on earlier input, and tonight’s comments were incredibly helpful,” he said. “This is a true community piece, and I’m excited to keep moving it forward.”
Reflecting on the project’s potential, Hargash added, “I want people to walk around the corner, see this mural, and just say, ‘Wow.’ That immediate reaction—that’s what we’re aiming for.”
Stay tuned for updates at CatchMark Community and on social media. To share your thoughts on the mural, contact [email protected] or visit the ACWL-Nuveen.
