The Osage County Community Center is getting a new look courtesy of State Tech and artist Ray Harvey. An American Flag is highly visible from Hwy. 50, waving from the 41-feet wide wall. The State Tech sponsored mural is the first in Harvey’s “Hero Nation” series of work to salute the working spirit of America.

Harvey has loved art his entire life, taking on drawing and painting around the age of 6. He attended college for graphics and technical illustration. Working in advertising art until 1985, Harvey then pursued a freelance painting career.

“It’s just who I am,” said Harvey, “I’ve been drawing, painting, whatever since forever. I’ve never taken a painting class in my life.”

One project in Eureka was Harvey’s largest at 17,000 square feet. A healthcare facility purchased an old hotel and commissioned him for an entire year. He transformed the interior into a small 1940s town, including art in the dome above the indoor swimming pool.

Harvey contacted a previous client upon seeing the potential mural canvas on the community center. President Steve Sellenriek of Sellenriek Construction aided in the connection with State Tech President Dr. Shawn Strong. During a time when many jobs are being classified as essential and non-essential, the mural offers support and encouragement to everyone that has to work through the pandemic and resulting difficulties.

“Who decides what job is essential and what isn’t?” Harvey asked. “If you work to pay your bills and put food on the table, your job is essential.”

Dr. Strong was excited to have the first of this series at the school in Linn.

“Every job is essential.” said Dr. Strong, “The programs at State Tech exemplify essential jobs that are the new heroes in our new reality.”

Schools, businesses, emergency response units, medical facilities, businesses, or anywhere that is clearly visible and accessible to the public can commission a “Hero Nation” mural across the country.

This series is Harvey’s favorite project as of yet. The idea came to him 10 years ago, and current events created a perfect time to offer the murals. A number of people have contacted him to inquire about possible murals. Openings to schedule future “Hero Nation” murals are still available as early as this summer.

It is rare that Harvey has an assistant while working on murals. Occasionally his wife will assist, and his granddaughter, Julianne Lough, is assisting on the mural in Linn. This is her first time helping her grandfather, and she is enjoying the time learning the “family trade” from him.

“It helps to have a set of eyes further away during the process,” said Harvey.

Those interested in a “Hero Nation” mural are encouraged to contact Ray Harvey for further information. He can be reached via phone at 314-603-5657, at rayharveyart.com, via email at rayharveyart@gmail.com, and can be found on Facebook and Instagram.