Brook Park art student paints skating mural at Michael A Ries Ice Rink in Parma

PARMA, Ohio -- With the clock ticking away in the third period of summer, Chi Irena Wong scored with her last-minute goal. In late August, the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) student finished a new mural featuring ice hockey players and figure skaters located at the Michael A Ries Ice Rink entrance in Parma.





“I’m very proud that I was able to accomplish this in about two weeks before school started,” said Brook Park resident Wong, who is a fine artist studying drawing with an interest in public artwork. “I wanted to do this over the summer, but I couldn’t secure a location until I got in contact with rink manager David Ehlert. He told me about the history of Parma and the skating rink. Before that, I didn’t know anything about Parma or hockey or figure skating.” After a couple of sessions discussing mural ideas, Wong put together sketches that Ehlert approved. “Chi weaved a little whimsy and light-hearted humor into the ice rink,” Ehlert said. “She did a great job, was a joy to work with and is a most-talented artist. “The mural project was a great learning experience for Chi, as she learned to become entrepreneurial, make community connections and follow a business plan and budget. Her work ethic is impressive.” The project was part of CIA’s Creativity Works internship program for students majoring in the visual art and craft areas.

The goal of the program is to offer professional development to its students and work-related learning experience. Chi created a business plan and budget for the cost of materials before receiving a grant from Fenn Educational Fund, the G.R. Lincoln Family Foundation and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Ward 3 Parma Councilman Mark Casselberry said the mural is a nice addition to the community. "I’m very happy that Chi decided to bring her artistic talents here to Ries Rink in Parma,” Casselberry said. Read more news from the Parma Sun Post.

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