By The Chronicle Staff

A new public art installation celebrating Logan County's Native American heritage, natural beauty and the enduring significance of the Mad River will be officially dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 12, during the annual Ice Cream Social & Jazz on the Lawn in Zanesfield.

The America250 Mural Dedication and Ribbon Cutting will take place at 1:15 p.m. during intermission of the Benjamin Logan Alumni Jazz Band performance and will recognize the efforts of local students, artists, community partners and supporters who helped bring the project to life.

Located on the Firehouse Pizza & Subs building, 2793 Sandusky St., Zanesfield, the mural was created through a collaborative effort during the past year led by LoCo Art, Benjamin Logan High School visual art students and student artists from across Logan County, as previously detailed in the Chronicle.

The project was supported through a Logan County Visitors Bureau Tourism Grant as part of Logan County's participation in Ohio's America250 initiative.

The mural tells the story of Native Americans who once thrived throughout the region and whose influence continues to shape the land and waterways of Logan County today.

More specifically, the piece pays homage to the story of Tarhe, the principal chief of the Wyandot, his daughter Princess Myeerah and Isaac Zane, whom she married.

Isaac Zane first came to the area as a captive of the Wyandot. At 9 years old, he was captured near his family home in Virginia and adopted by Tarhe-the Crane, according to the Logan County History Center.

Known as the “White Eagle,” Isaac grew up immersed in Wyandot culture. While a prisoner exchange forced Isaac to return to Virginia, his heart remained with the Wyandot, the History Center reports.

He eventually returned home to Logan County, marrying Tarhe’s daughter Myeerah.

Tarhe gifted Isaac his village on the Mad River, which became known as Zanestown (and now today, the area of Zanesfield).

Isaac and Myeerah Zane played crucial roles as liaisons between the Native Americans and the new settlers, helping both cultures understand and cooperate with each other, according to the History Center.

Flowing through the artwork is the Mad River, represented through a sparkling mosaic of glass and mirror that symbolizes the lasting impact of Native American stewardship on the area’s natural resources.

Art teacher and LoCo Art Co-Director Jennifer Davis and teaching artist Richard Duarte Brown guided Benjamin Logan High School students through the design and painting process.

The mural's signature mosaic river was later completed with the assistance of mosaic artist Vicki Murphy and student artists representing multiple schools throughout Logan County, including homeschool students.

For Native American cultures, feathers often symbolize honor, spiritual connection and achievement. Featured throughout the mural, they serve as a visual reminder of the region's Indigenous heritage and the connection between people and place.

"The mural celebrates the gifts of Logan County's land and water while encouraging residents and visitors to learn more about the Native American history woven throughout our communities," said Jamison Thornton, Director of the Logan County Visitors Bureau.

"It's also an incredible example of young people helping tell our story through public art."

The dedication ceremony will be part of a day-long celebration in Zanesfield that includes:

• Soup Beans & Cornbread Dinner presented by the Zane Cabin Restoration Committee - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.;

• Ice Cream Social & Jazz on the Lawn hosted by Dr. Sloan Library - Noon to 2 p.m.;

• Benjamin Logan Alumni Jazz Band - 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.;

• Quilt Display & Raffle presented by the Logan Piecemakers - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and

• Tours of the historic Zane Cabin

Community members are encouraged to take lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying food, music, local history, and the unveiling of a lasting addition to Logan County's America250 legacy. ■