Members of the community turned out on a hot summer Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 18 to celebrate the newest mural located at Story Books & Toys in Oakdale, a mural that OakdaleARTS members described as “another beautiful addition to what’s becoming our community’s outdoor gallery.”

Story Books & Toys is at 150 S. Second Ave., Oakdale.

Each mural brings something new, officials added, including a different subject, style, and artist.

“Together, they’re becoming part of our town’s story, giving people a reason to pause, look around, take a photo, and experience our community in a new way,” shared Nancy Podolsky of OakdaleARTS.

This was the organization’s first time working with muralist Nora Bruhn, but they hope it’s not the last.

“It took close to three years to make this happen and we feel so lucky to have her talent here in Oakdale. She has left such a beautiful mark on our community,” Podolsky noted.

Painting with Bruhn was Brittany Sunquist, another talented artist.

OakdaleARTS members said the two “made a great team in the middle of the summer heat” and created an “amazing wall of peonies for our community and visitors to enjoy.”

Organization members also made a point to note that none of this happens without community support.

“Thank you to all of our sponsors and to everyone who shows up, donates, buys a ticket, or supports our fundraisers - OakdaleARTS receives no public funding for all the murals. This is truly a community effort, and every mural belongs to all of us.”

OakdaleARTS is a nonprofit community organization dedicated to bringing public art to the city of Oakdale. Since 2020, the organization has commissioned eight murals throughout the city, working with local and visiting artists to celebrate creativity and enrich public spaces.

To learn more, contact OakdaleARTS@gmail.com, visit www://Oakdalearts.org, or follow OakdaleARTS.