(8/30) Four new murals depicting the history and cultural heritage of Thurmont and environs, created by local artist Yemi Fagbohun, were unveiled August 22 at the old Thurmont trolley substation, joining five other murals which has previously been completed by the artist.

Additionally, Fagbohun created a number of portraits of the busts of presidents who have visited nearby Camp David and/or Thurmont. The presidential portraits were also placed at various locations on the outside walls of the trolley building.

The new murals were unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by around 30 CODVID-19 mandated, masked individuals, many of whom had also been donors toward the project.

Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick said the murals are prints made from originals produced by the artist, which are mounted to panels, and then t attached to the walls by Thurmont Public Works. The murals are also treated to keep the colors looking bright.

The collection of murals all features some aspect of Thurmont history, heritage, and area sights. The art project commenced in 2013 when the Thurmont Lions Club approached the Thurmont regarding the possibility of implementing a project that would beautify the town.

Fagbohun said as he developed the overall art concept for the trolley building that he wanted to "make the wall something surprising," adding, "I've never done anything like this." He stated he incorporated four different art styles to produce the art, resulting in an array of different interpretations of scenes. He said he had no problem finding topics to represent. "One thing that makes this easy was there was so much to chew on (among local historical and cultural subjects)."

Town Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder said Fagbohun original paintings of each of the mounted prints will go on display at the Thurmont Regional Library when it is re-opened to the public.

The trolley substation is located across East Main Street from the Thurmont Trolley Trail and is adjacent to a vintage trolley donated to the town by the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Historical Society in 2008.