Wood County native artist Erika Fry works on her mural on the outside wall of the Robin’s Nest.

(Courtesy photo)

By ZAK WELLERMAN

news@woodcountymonitor.com

The work of a local artist has given Alba a mural symbolic of its history and chief attributes.

In the middle of May, Wood County native Erika Fry completed a mural depicting Alba’s history on the wall of the antique and resale shop Robin’s Nest at 189 Greenville St.

Robin Honaker, owner of Robin’s Nest, reached out to Fry so that Alba could have a mural like other towns in the area.

Fry and Honaker worked together to develop sketches and incorporate the important characteristics of Alba.

In black and white, the mural features a mining cart, a large bass, the town water tower and the phrase “This is Alba.”

The cart represents the town’s origins of coal mining, while the bass represents the fishing community and the town’s proximity to Lake Fork, Honaker said.

She noted the response to the mural has been 100 percent positive.

“I have not heard one negative comment. She has so much talent,” Honaker said of Fry.

Fry has painted murals at the Quitman Public Library, Quitman Junior High campus and the La Waffalata restaurant in downtown Mineola. She has also been commissioned for art pieces that hang in private homes and doctor’s offices in Wood County.

Fry has painted and displayed her work in Denver, Colo. This summer, she is branching off to the New York City art scene for more opportunities.

“I’m thankful for those that have supported me hiring me to paint, draw and purchased my work,” Fry said. “Also, to the friends, family and mentors that have inspired to pursue this far.”

Fry has begun collaborating with New York City artist Sigalit Biopcik while becoming more involved in the NYC art world.

“My experience in NYC has given me a spark of inspiration of new ideas for my work and what lies beneath the surface of the iceberg of my creative potential in my work,” Fry said.