F. Ziegler – Algoma
“I remember the week in June when the face of Algoma literally changed forever. Driving north on 4th Street on Thursday, I noticed clusters of people gathered around groups of artists along the street. I made a right on Steele Street where more people were gathered. The next evening I drove downtown to check on the progress and the crowds were bigger than before. I bought an ice cream cone and joined the fun. Downtown Algoma was alive and the sense of excitement in the air that day was almost breathable. Three days later, ten brand new works of art graced our buildings and as recently as today, people are still driving by the murals admiring the artwork created during the Wall Dog Wave.”
Mayor Bob Russell - Pontiac
Walldogs from around the world occupied our City for 4 days in June of 2009. Even before they arrived in Pontiac, I could sense the anticipation and excitement growing in the hundreds of volunteers who had been planning for the event. During those 4 days, the laughter and smiles on people’s faces was something that hadn’t been seen in the City of Pontiac for the past couple of years. When I walked around on that Sunday evening at the end of the event, and looked at all the murals, I still couldn’t believe what I had just seen happen. The many buildings that just a few months before where looking old and tired, now looked new and alive. A long time City resident came up to me and said, “This City hasn’t looked this good in 40 years”. I agreed with him. Since that weekend, thousands of local residents, and untold numbers of visitors from around the world, have been able to enjoy the beauty of the murals as well as learn more about the history of Pontiac. It is a pleasure to be downtown and see people strolling along the streets, taking pictures, or just enjoying everything that the murals have brought to our City. The City of Pontiac sends a big “Thank You” to all the Walldogs that made this happen.
