Gregory Ackers, a native of Springfield, Ill., now lives in Ohio. A muralist with more than 20 years experience, Ackers’ very first mural commission was in the 1980s. It was a painting of Union Station, one of the lost landmarks of Columbus, Ohio. The mural was erected on a wall near where the original structure stood before it was demolished.

Greg holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Ohio State University. In 1985, he founded International Murals Inc. He has painted more than 50 mural projects, including those for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Bigsby & Kruthers clothing stores in Chicago, The Knot Shop in Chicago and New York City, and more.

Greg researched the Illinois and Michigan Canal before beginning his Ottawa project. Said Greg of the canal mural: “The I&M was an extraordinary feat of manpower in the early days. I think all the people who worked on the canal to make it a reality … the blood, sweat and tears that created it should be an inspiration to the perseverance and determination felt by those who held the vision of building this country.

“What I hope is that I can graphically do justice to the feeling of pride I imagine the people of Ottawa must have for their rich history, and transform a bare wall into a cherished community heirloom.”