Mural Brings New Life to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Chisholm Street

Alpena — Artist Chad Joseph Szatkowski watched his 12′ by 12′ foot mural receive high praise from community members on Monday afternoon at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The organization put out a contest for artist to design a mural in order to beautify the ReStore. Szatkowski’s designs were selected out of a number of submissions.

“They had a contest to pick the artist and he was a perfect pick,” said Mayor Matt Waligora.

Szatkowski took seven days to create the piece. He merged two of his submissions from the contest to create what people can now see off of the corner of 5th Avenue and Chisholm St. The piece embodies the core values of Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Volunteers took another seven days to put the mural into place and paint the bricks.

“It shows everything that Habitat wants to depict to everyone,” said Szatkowski. “When you look at the picture or the mural, I think even children could understand.”

The project which was expected to be completed in fall came just in time for the 4th of July. The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Habitat for Humanity both chipped in funds to make the artwork possible. Now, the city will have more beauty for locals and outsiders to enjoy for years to come.

“The city has taken a more arts and culture aspect and direction in the past couple years and this obviously adds to that,” said Waligora.

People can check out the design over at the Habitat for Humanity Restore located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Chisholm Street.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Michigan, visit http://www.habitatnemi.org/