Downtown Community Mural Project Finds a Home

Organizers have announced the downtown Toms River building where the township’s first community mural project will be displayed beginning in October.

The 45-by-19 foot project will adorn the west wall of the Simply Skin day spa, according to Jody Alessandrine, executive director of the Toms River Business Development Corporation.

“Many years ago the mural concept was only a thought in our plan for our downtown. I am very excited to see this coming to fruition,” said spa owner JoAnn Juralewicz in a statement. “The history illustrated in the mural is a beautiful story of a town that is dear to my heart.”

Volunteers kicked off painting at Toms River’s Ocean County Library branch this week. Anyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, is welcome to help bring it to life, said lead apprentice Yvonne Yaar.

“It’s a community-driven project,” she said earlier this week. “We want the whole town to do it. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary.”

Led by artist Elody Gyekis, who has organized other large-scale murals, Toms River’s project features scenes from the township’s namesake waterway.

“Our building is one of the gateways into our downtown Toms River,” Juralewicz said. “I think everyone will enjoy the enhanced ‘view’ upon exiting the Garden State Parkway.”

Painting the project is as simple as matching up one of the 61 colors to a corresponding area on the canvas. Those interested in contributing to the project are encouraged to sign up online.

Plans for the Kiwanis Club-sponsored project, which is being administered by the Toms River Business Development Corporation, began in the fall. The mural will be publicly unveiled during this year’s HarvestFest in October.