Antigo, WI — Antigo Visual Arts (AVA) proudly announces the completion and installation of a new public mural that now graces the south side of the Marathon Express Mart in Antigo, thanks to the continued partnership between AVA and the City of Antigo through its public art mural program. This initiative was made possible in part by funds set aside from the City’s facade grant program to support public art that enhances the beauty and character of our local downtown.
Created by local artists Beatie Gmeiner, age 83, and Pat Packard, age 90—who first met over 35 years ago in a painting class—their shared love of art has connected them, and now their talents are on full display for the community to enjoy.
Painted on four 4 x 8 foot panels at the AVA Art Center in Aspen Village, the finished 8 x 16 foot mural features a serene lakeside scene alive with native wildlife: a sandhill crane, mallard ducks, Canadian geese, a leaping bass, a turtle basking on a log, with a majestic bald eagle overlooking. The eagle was inspired by a photograph captured by local photographer Barb Blahnik.
“This mural is more than just art on a wall—it’s a vibrant expression of community pride, creativity, and the stories that shape us,” said Angie Close, Chairperson of the City of Antigo Public Art Committee and Executive Director of Langlade County Economic Development.
Willie Clark, owner of the Marathon Express Mart where the mural now resides, expressed his enthusiasm:
“I am really excited to have the mural going up on my building at 702 Superior Street. It is a great way to bring some color and creativity to the neighborhood, and we love the design that Pat and Beatie came up with. I am happy to support local art and hope the mural brings some joy and inspiration to everyone who passes by.”
The mural was installed on the morning of June 26 with the help of Jacob from Waldner Properties, who generously volunteered his time to hang the boards.
Danna Gabriel, President of Antigo Visual Arts and fellow Public Art Committee member, expressed her personal connection to the project:
“It’s been an honor to help bring this mural to life through the City of Antigo’s partnership with Antigo Visual Arts. Having my mom, Beatie, and her dear friend, Pat, paint this beautiful piece has been incredibly meaningful—not just for our community, but for me personally. My mom’s creativity has inspired me since I was young, and to see her leave her mark on our downtown in this way is something I’ll cherish forever. I’m so proud of both Beatie and Pat, and proud of our city for investing in public art that celebrates both beauty and legacy.”
Brian Ponshock, a member of both Antigo Visual Arts and the City’s Public Art Committee, and the artist behind the veterans mural on Neve’s Floors To Go Furniture & Mattress Gallery in 2021, added:
“This mural will add to the beauty of our downtown and give our community another wonderful piece of art done by local artists.”
The mural marks a special milestone for AVA, coinciding with the organization’s one-year anniversary at its center in the Aspen Village Community Building, near Remington Lake. It also reflects AVA’s ongoing mission to foster creativity, collaboration, and public engagement through the arts.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of the City of Antigo, the Remington Foundation, CoVantage Credit Union, Johnson Electric Coil Company Inc., and many other community supporters.
Special thanks to Marathon Express Mart for hosting this stunning mural and to all who helped make this vision a reality.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to drive by the Marathon Express Mart to experience the mural firsthand—a meaningful and lasting contribution to Antigo’s public art landscape.
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