The Huber Heights Arts & Beautification Commission on Nov. 3 advanced plans for a community mural and asked commissioners to secure site approvals and confirm the artist.

Commissioners heard a presentation from a representative of MSA Design outlining three coverage options — full, medium and minimum — and showing an example scaled to the Huber Heights Athletic Foundation property. The consultant said the foundation later indicated it was unlikely to participate, but the example helped the commission visualize size and placement.

The proposal includes a 15-week production schedule, with painting targeted for spring or summer 2026 to avoid cold or rainy weather; MSA said conceptual work could begin as early as December 2025 if high-resolution art is provided. "We're thinking spring or 2026," the MSA representative said when outlining the schedule.

Commission members discussed mounting artwork on marine-grade plywood frames as an alternative for buildings with uneven façades or for portable installations. The plywood option was proposed so pieces could be framed, moved or sited where a building surface is unsuitable.

The commission raised questions about the mural's theme. Some members asked whether to prioritize an athletics-focused design tied to student submissions while others suggested expanding to a broader Huber Heights historical theme with an athletics section. Sarah Chapman, chair, said enlarging the concept depends on whether the approved artist remains willing to participate: the commission previously approved an artist's concept and needs confirmation before considering major changes.

MSA described community-engagement methods for volunteer involvement, including grid-based "paint-by-number" panels and larger mosaic-style segments suited to student and volunteer activity. "Different squares were numbered...then they had a group of people come out," the MSA representative said of one community-painted mural example.

Commissioners assigned homework to confirm potential sites before the December meeting: Jason was asked to contact Wayne High School; Sarah Chapman and Molly (parks and recreation program coordinator) were asked to follow up on Wayne and other suggested locations including Cloud Park and stretches of Old Troy/Grama Pike. The commission agreed to use a virtual yes/no check to record site approvals prior to the December meeting.

The group also raised maintenance and ownership concerns. Members asked how durable mounted canvases would be and who would be responsible for repairs or for removal if a private property owner later objected. The commission noted that zoning and sign ordinances would govern private installations and that a contract would be needed for murals on private property.

Next steps listed by MSA and the commission included: selecting a site and obtaining property approval, confirming whether the approved artist remains engaged and providing the artist with guidelines and a deliverable deadline for high-resolution concept art, and setting periodic check-in dates with MSA. The consultant said it would provide a project-management schedule and suggested check-in weeks (including weeks 4 and 9) for design, measurements and community-engagement decisions.

No formal vote was taken on a final location or design at the meeting; commissioners agreed to report back with site confirmations by email so MSA and staff can proceed with concept refinement.