By Nicole Barhorst
Transcript Reporter
After Richard Upton’s J. Gumbo’s completes its move to 9 N. Sandusky St., a trio of murals by junior Abi Care Horvat will be the “centerpiece of the conversation,” he said.
Horvat, a fine arts major, put in 25 to 30 hours during her first week and a half working on the first mural in the front dining area titled “Sunset on the Bayou.” She said she has done canvas murals before, but never on such a large scale or on a wall.
Horvat got connected with Upton, the restaurant’s owner, after painting a fraternity paddle for a friend whose fraternity brother knew Upton. They worked together to determine the murals’ subject, and Horvat said it was important to both of them that visitors be able to find something new in the works with each visit.
The other two murals, both expected to be larger than “Sunset on the Bayou,” are titled “Parade on Bourbon Street” and “Under the Sea.” Horvat said she expects to be working on them for a few more weeks in addition to her classes.
Upton said he thinks Horvat’s work so far is “awesome.” He said the move from 12 S. Sandusky Street to the new location, previously 3rd Degree Tanning Salon, was to provide more opportunities for expansion.
“Ninety-five percent of special events that happen in downtown Delaware happen north of William Street,” he said. “This location is better-suited for growth.”