COLUMBUS, Ohio — A piece of artwork inspired by the pandemic won’t be around forever, but that didn’t stop one artist and one real estate developer from making an abandoned overpass their canvas.
“There’s something romantic about the idea of creating something that’s going to be torn down,” said Brian Suiter, co-founder of Catalyst Columbus.
Suiter and local artist Mandi Caskey had to get approval for the project from the Ohio Department of Transportation and Columbus Parks and Recreation.
“We kept expecting someone to say no to us, but no one ever did,” Caskey said.
Now, the words “We are Stronger Together” line the bridge over I-70/I-71 in bold letters.
“We were just like ‘ok, how can we reach peoples’ homes and make something that’s kind and also thoughtful,’” said Caskey. “I kind of just sketched this out on the bridge and I was like ‘hey, can we make this happen?’”
The 400-foot mural required 50 gallons of paint, and while it originated during COVID-19, Suiter said it took on extra meaning.
“We unveiled it the same week George Floyd was killed,” said Suiter. “So even though the message was really COVID, it had a unique place in time considering what was going on around the world.”
Catalyst Columbus works to enrich the community through large-scale mural projects. The group works around Downtown, Franklinton and the Discovery District in Columbus.
