From pitch to paint: Young creators unveil vibrant downtown Mt. Pleasant mural

Although the annual competition encouraging area youth to think "outside the box" took place last winter, Mt. Pleasant is just now experiencing the results—with a dynamic downtown depiction that emphasizes the power of public art. 

Back in February, the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella County conducted their annual competition called PITCH-ER THIS! Focusing on United Way’s core impact areas of healthy lifestyles, quality education, and financial stability, students from around the region were invited to pitch creative solutions to community issues. 

This year’s winners were Team Mural Magic, composed of Sacred Heart Academy students Claire Campbell and Olivia Harding. The duo delivered a pitch which secured them first place, and the competition's traveling trophy. 

Their idea centered around the power of public art—of which the artwork is now on display alongside Isabella Bank downtown Mt. Pleasant near the corner of E. Broadway and Court St. 

Epicenter Mt. Pleasant spoke with Cambell and Harding to learn more about their experience.  

Courtesy United Way of Gratiot & Isabella CountiesOlivia Harding (left) and Claire Campbell (right) with the PITCHER-THIS competition’s traveling trophy.
Epicenter Mt. Pleasant: Back in February, you pitched your idea about public art at the annual United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties PITCH-ER THIS competition. What was your competition experience like?
Claire Campbell & Olivia Harding: Our competition experience was long but very exciting. It started in September 2023 and just finished with the mural being painted in October 2024. We did a lot of research on public art and murals and how this type of art can improve mental health by bringing people together and getting them outside. Olivia had traveled to Traverse City and Saugatuck, and posed with their city murals capturing a photo that was sent all over the world.  We wanted people to be able to have the same experience here in Mount Pleasant. 

We started with bi-weekly meetings in the Veterans Memorial Library and moved on to present our idea to the CEO and CFO of Isabella Bank. Their east facing wall in downtown Mount Pleasant was the best one for the project. 

We also want to mention how our mentor, Betsy Van Orman, was very organized and stayed on top of us. 

When it came down to the walk-through and actual pitch, we got quite nervous since it was hard not to compare our idea and set up to others. At that point it was important for us to stay in the moment and remember that our idea was great and very unique.

Epicenter: What inspired you to focus on the power of public art for this pitch?
Campbell & Harding: We wanted to create a special piece of art unique to Mount Pleasant which celebrated our landmarks and culture. A piece for all the world to see. We wanted to draw foot traffic to downtown and get people outside posing with our mural. Mount Pleasant is such a rich town and has so much to celebrate. We are so proud of where we live.

Epicenter: Now, a handful of months later, your public art is on display in downtown Mt. Pleasant. How does it feel to see your creative solution come to fruition? 
Campbell & Harding: Seeing an idea that we had dreamed about come true has been amazing. It is thanks to the United Way that this has all been possible. Without their competition and funding we might not have been able to pitch this idea and see it come true. To see the slide show we presented in front of the panel of judges and the community earlier this year come alive on the Isabella Bank wall has been a dream come true. It is something we will always remember and it has taught us that when you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

Courtesy United Way of Gratiot & Isabella CountiesArtist Kayla Peake of KP Originals works on the mural in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Epicenter: Muralist Kayla Peake captivates community charm and pride in the design. What was it like collaborating with her?
Campbell & Harding: We found Kayla Peake through leads by Art Reach in downtown Mount Pleasant and Studio 23 in Bay City. Kayla is a very experienced muralist and took on the project with joy and dedication. She was very easy to work with and made any changes we sent to her promptly. We couldn’t have dreamed of finding a better artist to work with. 

Epicenter: Lastly, what’s next for you two?
Campbell & Harding: Olivia just finished her second year playing on Sacred Heart Academy’s middle school volleyball team. Next she is focusing on school, the school band, and participating in the Kiwanis Builders Club, getting involved with Art Reach’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG), and participating in the National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge.

Claire will stay active in a variety of school sports and clubs. She loves being part of the Sacred Heart Academy choir. She is also going to perform in the choir of The Gratiot County Players performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” this December. She also plans to audition for “The Wizard of Oz” at the Broadway theater downtown Mount Pleasant this winter.