Published Monday, July 29th, 2024
A new mural in downtown Wayne is a joint effort between Wayne State, the Wayne community, and WSC alumni artist Gabe Perez.
A Wayne State College alumni artist has brightened up downtown Wayne by painting a mural on the side of a local business.
Gabe Perez '24 of Pender created a mural on the north side of Nana’s This & That store located on the southwest corner of 3rd and Main in Wayne. The project was a joint effort between Perez, Wayne businessman and Wayne State Foundation Trustee Carter “Cap” Peterson, and the Wayne State Foundation’s Alumni Office.
Amber Sperry, director of alumni relations for the Wayne State Foundation, said it was the perfect project for the college and community.
“Collaborating with Gabe on this mural has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase the deep connection between Wayne State College and the Wayne community,” said Sperry. “With Cap Peterson’s support, this mural beautifully represents our shared values and pride. Wayne State is a vital part of this community, and this artwork spreads Wildcat pride while highlighting the importance of our college to the town’s spirit and identity.”
Since Peterson owned the building, Sperry contacted him to see if he would be on board with the project, which he was. While Sperry began the search for a local artist, Peterson began thinking of what subjects to use in the mural. Once Perez was commissioned as the artist, the three began brainstorming different designs for the mural.
Peterson said numerous design options were considered before arriving at the final design. The mural is approximately 15 feet high and 40 feet wide and took eight hours to complete. It was done entirely with spray paint, and the U.S. flag was done in 3D.
“We wanted to make sure the mural would incorporate the community, our schools, farming, and everything else associated with Wayne,” said Peterson, president of Northeast Nebraska Insurance Agency. “Gabe did a fantastic job every step of the way with this mural, and everyone is extremely pleased with it.”
About the Artist
A resident of Pender, Gabe Perez graduated from Wayne State College in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Graphic Design.
Perez has done numerous murals in Pender. They include a baseball mural at Heyne Field of past Nighthawk players, a pickup truck on the Frazey’s Food and Fuel convenience store, the Pendragon mascot on the Pender car wash, and five other murals in Pender depicting images from the past and present.
Perez is currently working on an indoor mural at Merck Animal Health in Omaha. The mural depicts various motivational quotes, the company logo, and images of animals the company has helped throughout the years.
“One of the most rewarding things that has happened to me is being able to pursue my passions, and I’m proud to have the support of Wayne State and the Wayne community on this project,” said Perez. “Thanks to Cap and Amber for this opportunity, and I’m excited for the possibility of doing more.”