WARREN, Ohio – Drivers crossing the Summit Street Bridge have already begun noticing the city’s newest mural.

The 100-foot artwork depicts Mo’ Musky, a colorful muskellunge fish. Painted by Warren artist Aaron Chine, it overlooks the Mahoning River from a retaining wall, greeting more than 9,000 motorists each day.

The public is invited to join city officials at 4 p.m. Thursday for the unveiling ceremony.

The mural was funded by a public-private partnership between the city, the Fund for Warren’s Future and a grant from Sherwin-Williams Corp.

“Over the past several years, Warren has made significant investments to reconnect our community with the Mahoning River,” Mayor Doug Franklin said. “Mo’ Musky is another visible reminder of that commitment. Every improvement we’ve made, from removing the Summit Street Dam to expanding river access and enhancing our parks, has been about helping people rediscover one of Warren’s greatest natural assets.”

Recent improvements include:

  • Removal of the Summit Street Dam, restoring the river’s natural flow while improving water quality, aquatic habitat and recreational opportunities.
  • H2Ohio-funded streambank stabilization and improved public access to the river.
  • A new paddling launch supporting kayaks, canoes and rafts.
  • Continued improvements to Packard Park, Perkins Park, trails and riverfront access.
  • Appalachian Community Grant investments, such as the new pedestrian bridge under construction between Perkins Park and the Peninsula, supporting Warren’s ongoing riverfront revitalization.
  • Continued public and private investment.

“The Summit Street Dam has come down; invasive vegetation has been cleared; and people can once again enjoy views of the river from Packard, Perkins and Bullhead parks,” Franklin added. “If they’re lucky, they might even spot a musky in the river, although it probably won’t be as colorful as our friend Mo’.”

During Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent visit to Warren, Franklin presented him with a framed print of the mural in appreciation of his long-standing support of the city.

Dennis Blank, administrator of Fund for Warren’s Future, said Chine was the natural choice to create the mural.

“Aaron is not only an exceptional mural artist, he’s also a Warren resident, local business owner and professional fishing guide who knows the Mahoning River as well as anyone,” Blank said. “His connection to this river made him the perfect artist to bring Mo’ Musky to life.”

Chine said he creates art that he hopes stirs emotional connections in people.

“I hope this mural will connect more people, emotionally, to the river,” he said.

A mural of a sleeping giant previously had been painted at the same site but has been covered by the new mural.

Eddie Colbert, the city’s safety service director,  noted that the previous mural and retaining wall required restoration before the new artwork could be installed.

“Aaron spent time prepping the wall before he ever picked up a paintbrush,” Colbert said. “Thanks to Sherwin-Williams and the Keep Ohio Beautiful grant program, the mural has been finished with a protective clear coat that will help preserve its vibrant colors for years to come.”

Additional support for the project was provided by Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, which served as fiscal agent, along with consulting assistance from the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County.

At the event and following the unveiling, Aaron Chine will sign a limited number of commemorative Mo’ Musky posters. Modern Methods Brewing will provide complimentary nonalcoholic refreshments while offering a preview of its upcoming Mo’ Musky Key Lime Lager.

The muskellunge is the apex predator of the Mahoning River and a symbol of the strength, resilience and determination that defines Warren and the Mahoning Valley.

Pictured at top: The Mo’ Muskie mural is painted on a concrete wall that is visible after crossing the Summit Street Bridge in Warren.