A new mural, created by students from across the Olympic Region, was unveiled recently in a ceremony at Mt Van Hoevenberg. The 10’ X 15’ artwork unites 330 unique drawings into one collective image of the U.S. flag, with each individual drawing representing a celebration of both the Olympic spirit and Team USA bobsled, skeleton, and luge athletes.
The concept for the mural serves to inspire both area youth who created it as well as athletes who train throughout the year at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Each individual piece of the mural was produced by students from schools and organizations, including Camp Placid, Connecting Youth and Communities coalitions of Lake Placid and Wilmington, Keene Central School, Lake Placid Elementary and Middle/High Schools, North Country School, Northwood School, Saint Agnes School, and the Shipman Youth Center.
In the moment of the unveiling, those in attendance witnessed the culmination of many months of work by the students. Their collective creative endeavor was initiated and led by fifth generation Lake Placid resident artist, Naj Wikoff, who served as the instructor and mentor for the hundreds of students, guiding them through the creative process. As an expert in this history and an artist himself, Wikoff’s experience with Olympic art goes back to his service as the Vice-Chair of the National Fine Arts Committee. In advance of the 1980 Winter Games, this group of artists and advisors put on display numerous works of fine art around Lake Placid.
At the unveiling ceremony, Wikoff told the audience of youth, teachers, and community members, “The Olympic Authority cares a lot about its athletes, and it cares about its youth. This art project reflects that.”
Among the speakers at the half hour long ceremony was Joe Martens, Chairperson of the Olympic Authority Board of Directors who talked of the history of art in the Olympics and conveyed to the audience, “Art has been used to capture special moments in sports. To celebrate athletes as symbols of dignity and pride. And to capture human emotion. Your mural is carrying on that tradition. It’s a welcome sign for athletes who compete here in Lake Placid, and it’s an inspiration. This mural is no ordinary piece of art. It took over 300 of you to create it, and that’s what I call teamwork.”
Team USA sliding sport athletes travel far away from home, and this week they were competing at World Cup competitions in Germany and Latvia. Therefore, several athletes emailed comments that Athlete Services and Accreditation Coordinator Jennifer Mott read aloud for the student artists to hear. “To know that local students have poured their creativity into this mural is so special,” says Team USA bobsled athlete Macy Tarleton. “It reminds us that our efforts on the ice aren’t just for ourselves but for everyone who believes in us, supports us, and shares our dreams. I can’t wait to see the mural in person.”
Olympic silver medalist and Team USA bobsled athlete Manteo Mitchell wrote, “What an incredible honor this is! As someone who loves art and collecting, I’m thrilled to see the mural. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this project. It’s a moment we’ll treasure forever. This place is filled with such rich history, and now you’ve become a part of it.”
Olympic bronze medalist and Team USA bobsled athlete Sylvia Hoffman wrote, “This is amazing! I think the mural will represent all of the hard work and dedication that both athletes & staff put forth to represent our country.” Then, referring to the ceremony being broadcast live on YouTube, she writes, “I can’t wait to watch the unveiling!”
The finished mural will be permanently mounted at the upper finish area of Mt Van Hoevenberg’s combined bobsled, skeleton and luge sliding track where athletes and spectators alike will be able to see it and appreciate it during training and competitions.