Mural Title:
Poppin’ Poppies
Date of Completion:
June 2022
Mural Location:
Westerville Sports Complex and Veterans Memorial, 325 N Cleveland Ave Westerville, OH
Project Description:
This mural was created in partnership with The City of Westerville, The Westerville Veterans Memorial project team, and Columbus based artist Katrinka Sue Hagovsky. For this project, Adam was hired to recreate Hagovsky’s original painting large scale for a public art mural.
The Westerville Community Recreation Guide Sep/Oct 2022 issue reported the following:
“The metamorphosis of the Westerville Sports Complex (325 N. Cleveland Ave.) into a community destination of note is now further enhanced by “Poppin’ Poppies,” a colorful 16-foot mural adjacent to the new Veterans Memorial (opening soon, see page 23).
Columbus artist Katrinka Sue Hagovsky says she was walking in her neighborhood when she stumbled upon a patch of beautiful red poppies, which inspired her to recreate the scene in her signature cubist watercolor style. Soon after, the painting was up for sale at an art show attended by Westerville Parks and Facilities Development Administrator Laura Ball. It was then the idea for the mural was planted.
“The Veterans Memorial project team thought ‘Poppin’ Poppies’ would make the perfect complement to the new memorial space because of the flower’s symbolic representation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in battle,” said Ball.
Ball asked Hagovsky how she’d feel about seeing her watercolors transformed into a mural.
“To tell you the truth, I actually cried. I was so delighted,” said Hagovsky. “It is such an honor.”
Ball handed the responsibility of scaling the work to Columbus-based muralist Adam Hernandez. For five evenings in June, Hernandez and assistant Anna Van Walsen set to work projecting the painting onto a wall, then carefully tracing Hagovsky’s lines with construction crayon. Next, the artists used spray paint and brush strokes to recreate the mural.
“I was absolutely amazed; Adam did such a fabulous job,” said Hagovsky. “He just really got the painting perfectly.”
Hernandez says this was his first time collaborating with another artist in this way. He called the experience a “very rewarding challenge.”
“This was an awesome learning experience, collaborating with another artist, learning new techniques and helping benefit the community,” said Hernandez.”
About the Artist:
Adam Hernandez is a Columbus, Ohio based mural artist who has proven himself in the realm of public art. He has worked with international organizations, such as Upfest, to create custom murals that are both vibrant and engaging. The Upfest Godmask Mural is a piece that was created as part of Europe's largest international mural festival. Adam's commissions are not limited to the festival scene, however. As a local artist, he has created numerous public art installations that have transformed the streets of American cities such as Columbus, Ohio, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee. Adam’s work as a street artist has garnered him a reputation as a talented muralist. Whether Adam is working on a large-scale mural or a small-scale commission, Adam's attention to detail and passion for his craft shines through in every project he undertakes.
In short, Adam Hernandez is a midwest based mural artist who is making waves in the world of public art. His ability to work with international organizations and create stunning murals in the festival setting is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether you are looking for a custom mural or a public art installation, Adam is the artist to call.