24-Foot 'Mobile Mural' Set For Reveal At Oak Creek Farmers Market

OAK CREEK, WI — Visitors to the Oak Creek Farmers Market on Saturday will be met with not only the usual eclectic mix of homegrown and handmade products, but also a new and colorful artwork that turns the city's 24-foot event trailer into a "mobile mural" illustrating landmarks from around Oak Creek.

The Aug. 12 market comes in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, and includes additional special events plus an artist meet-and-greet besides 60 local farmers and makers, according to a news release from Leslie Flynn, the city's communication coordinator.

The new mural was created by local artist Lauren Marvell, who used the massive trailer as a canvas. It is set to be shown in full at the market Saturday, but the city gave a sneak peek of what to expect.

"We are delighted to invite the community to join us in unveiling this remarkable piece of public art that captures the spirit of our community and mirrors the values and aspirations of our beloved farmers market," said Oak Creek Market Manager Dawn Carrillo in a news release. "Farmers markets are not just about buying and selling; they are about creating meaningful connections, fostering sustainability, and celebrating local culture."

The art reveal will be joined by a meet-and-greet with illustrator Marvell at a booth near the trailer. Marvell, based in Milwaukee, attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. The first 200 people who stop by her booth Saturday can expect a signed replica of the featured artwork, and other works will be for sale, the news release from the city said.

Here are some other things the city said to anticipate for Saturday's market:

• "Attendees can enter to win a basket brimming with products from each market vendor, providing a genuine sampling of the market's diverse offerings.
• The Oak Creek Public Library will host interactive Story Times on the north lawn at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Elroy, the Oak Creek Farmers Market Mascot, will distribute fresh honey sticks throughout the day.
• As always, the market proudly participates in SNAP/EBT, WIC, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, offering up to $20 in matching benefits each week."

The market, established in 2018, is touted as a vibrant space for gathering that celebrates Oak Creek's agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. It runs for 24 weeks between May and October every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Drexel Town Square, 361 West Town Square Way.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the power of community and sustainable food systems at the Oak Creek Farmers Market this weekend. Our commitment to these values is not limited to the summer months. With the success of our outdoor market, we are thrilled to announce that starting in November, we will be hosting a Saturday winter indoor market at the Oak Creek Community Center featuring 60 vendors," Carrillo said in the news release.