Toledo Artist Dean Davis Aims to Create World’s Largest Outdoor Mural Collection Along Maumee River
TOLEDO, Ohio — Dean Davis, the creative force behind Art Farm and River Gallery Studio, has set his sights on an ambitious project that could transform Toledo’s riverfront into a sprawling outdoor art gallery. Dubbed the River Gallery Project, Davis envisions 23 murals stretching along both sides of the Maumee River, making it the largest mural collection in the world.
“It’s kind of easy to lose perspective on this when you’re up here like this,” Davis said. “So, the key to it is taking a step back after you get so far. But this collection of murals will actually be the largest one in the world.”
Davis hopes the murals will serve as both a vibrant tourism attraction and a visual narrative that reflects Toledo’s resilience and unique spirit. “This is kind of like candy for all that, right? This is the tourism element that people are going to want to see,” he explained. “And then you start talking about, ‘What’s the story that we’re going to share?’ That’s what makes Toledo so vibrant and resilient.”
One of the first major milestones in the project is a mural on the Holcim silos near the King Bridge, scheduled to be completed before the end of June. This marks a significant partnership, as it’s reportedly the first time Holcim has allowed a mural on any of their locations worldwide.
Davis is currently on track to complete five murals this summer and plans to continue rolling out the remaining pieces until the entire vision is realized.
“All the other pieces that will live down the river will have stories that help define what makes Toledo so amazing,” Davis said. “I’m excited for that.”
The River Gallery Project promises to not only beautify Toledo’s riverfront but also celebrate the city’s history and community through large-scale public art.
