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 Good Citizens

Good Citizens Mural

By Artist Carly Mitchell

Mural Location: Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) |150 Heatherdown Drive                                                                                                     South Facing Wall along Heatherdown Drive

“Good Citizens” honors the spirit of service and innovation that defines our community. This America250 mural celebrates those who have worked, past and present, to make the world a better place. The artwork reflects unity, resilience, and care, inspired by the citizens, organizations, and changemakers who uplift others through compassion and empowerment. A cardinal, our state bird and Otterbein’s mascot, soars as a symbol of hope and remembrance, connecting us to the leaders and loved ones who built our legacy. This mural invites us to celebrate citizenship not as an identity but as an ongoing act of kindness and courage.

Carly Mitchell is a Columbus-based artist who loves turning everyday spaces into bright, joyful landmarks that celebrate community and connection. Her mural work blends bold design, vibrant color, and playful shapes to reflect the stories and energy of each place.

Carly’s creative approach centers on curiosity, collaboration, and a desire to bring more color—both literal and metaphorical—into the world through joyful, inclusive public art.

Learn more about Carly at cemitchelldesign.com

Westerville has historically had citizens who worked to make the world a better place:

• Otterbein was one of the first colleges to admit women and people of color.
• A strong pre-Civil War Underground Railroad network was led by William Hanby, George Stoner, Thomas Alexander, and others.
• Dacia Shoemaker and William Fouse fought for the preservation of the Hanby House as a historic Underground Railroad site. Fouse was the first black graduate of both Westerville Schools and Otterbein University, and he once lived in Hanby House himself.

Today, Westerville individuals and organizations continue to serve others. Below are a few examples:

• Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) has provided food and economic/spiritual support since 1972.
• Ohio Special Olympics, headquartered in Westerville, enables community participation for people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport.
• Form5 empowers members of the limb difference community to interact successfully with their world and future.