Mini-Grant Sparks Wheeling Public Art Project
In 2024, the City of Wheeling’s Love Your Neighborhood mini-grant program sparked a wave of creative placemaking across town. One standout winner in each ward was tasked with revitalizing a local area. In Ward 4, the Centre Market Commission partnered with Megan Campbell, owner of Studio MC Performing Arts Center, to turn that vision into reality —transforming a plain chain-link fence into an extraordinary Wheeling public art project.
As an area business for over 30 years, Beyond Marketing proudly supports local community efforts. We partner with organizations to help bring creative projects to life and strengthen the neighborhoods we serve.
Centre Market Fence Becomes Community Art Walkway
Brooke Price, Centre Market Manager, had been dreaming of a way to boost curb appeal along the market’s fence line. When the mini-grant opportunity arose, she and the Commission seized it.
“This has been a project that has been on my mind since starting my role as Centre Market Manager—finding a way to increase the curb appeal along this stretch of fence. When the mini-grant program was announced, we discussed it at a commission meeting and it seemed like a perfect opportunity to complete this project. We were really lucky to have the support of Megan from Studio MC PAC in moving forward. We ran through a few design ideas and I’m glad to see what we settled on has really brightened up the street and added some artistic flare to a once plain and empty space.”
— Brooke Price, Centre Market Manager
With the Centre Market historic district as her inspiration, Beyond Marketing’s Senior Designer Mindi Yarbrough brought the mural to life—thoughtfully weaving the neighborhood’s identity and history into bold icons and illustrations. Her design became a canvas for community pride, celebrating Centre Market’s charm, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Each panel tells a story, creating a vibrant visual narrative that honors the district’s unique character.
Local Designers and Businesses Lead the Transformation
Studio MC PAC’s involvement was key to the project’s success. Megan Campbell reflects on the community impact:
“We are so honored to have been part of this amazing project! Thank you to the City of Wheeling and the Centre Market Commission for allowing Studio MC to play a role in bringing more color, creativity, and pride to our neighborhood. Watching this space transform into something vibrant and meaningful has been such a rewarding experience. We love our community, and we’re proud to be part of its growth—one brushstroke at a time!”
— Megan Campbell, Studio MC Performing Arts Center
A special shout-out also goes to Sandy McLellan of McClellan Sign Co., who produced and installed the banners.
“As a local business owner, it’s always meaningful to be part of projects that brighten up our community. Producing and installing the banners gave me a front-row seat to the transformation—watching the fence go from plain to full of personality was incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of work that reminds me why I do what I do.”
— Sandy McLellan, McClellan Sign Co.
Design Showcases Centre Market’s Character and History
Behind the scenes, Beyond Marketing’s Mindi Yarbrough crafted the visual concept.
“It’s been an honor to contribute my design work to a project that brings new life to a space so central to our community. Centre Market has always inspired me with its energy and eclectic charm, and being able to reflect that through art was both a joy and a creative challenge. There’s something really meaningful about turning everyday spaces into something that makes people pause, smile, and feel connected.”
— Mindi Yarbrough, Beyond Marketing
Public Art’s Role in Wheeling Neighborhood Revitalization
Public art is more than decoration—it’s a catalyst for revitalization. When neighborhoods embrace creative placemaking, they see:
- Increased foot traffic from residents and tourists
- Boosted local economies as visitors explore nearby shops and restaurants
- Strengthened civic pride and a deeper community identity
- Greater appeal to investors and new residents
Explore More Public Art: Wheeling Public Art Trail
Want to see more of Wheeling’s creative spirit? Check out the Wheeling Public Art Trail, a growing collection of over 70 murals, sculptures, and monuments. Curated by Wheeling Heritage, this self-guided digital map invites you to discover the city’s hidden corners and iconic landmarks through public art—from whimsical crosswalk designs to large-scale murals that tell Wheeling’s story of renewal and pride.
