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Backstage Pass: Capitol Unveils New Green Room Mural

By ERIC AYRES 5 min read

WHEELING -- Audience members may never see it in person, but artists and performers who play the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling now will be able to get a glimpse of the community's character in a new mural unveiled Wednesday in the theater's backstage green room.

Officials from the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wheeling Heritage and the city joined other community leaders for the unveiling in the space downstairs from the back of the stage.

"Although this is a space where many of our audience members will never see, it is a place where artists, performers, touring crews, production teams spend a lot of time before and after a show," said Kelly Tucker, executive director of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority.

The effort to spruce up the backstage space took place over the summer, when the schedule of shows at the theater is typically lighter because of the myriad outdoor events that take place.

A Wheeling Heritage Partnership Grant helped cover the cost of the commissioned artwork. The project transformed a plain brick wall in the theater's green room and hospitality area into a mural that pays tribute to both the Capitol and the city itself.

"It captures the character and the history of our community in a way that is both artistic and very meaningful to us," Tucker said. "What makes this very important to me is that it’s not just about the theater - it’s about Wheeling, our history, our people and what makes our community so very special."

Local artist Monica Duymich of Ikaros Art was on hand to reveal her new artwork during Wednesday's unveiling ceremony. Duymich has been designing and painting murals in the region for more than 15 years. Most of her mural artwork can be seen in the Pittsburgh area at public spots such as breweries, libraries, schools, hotels and other locations.

"I’ve done murals in lots of places, but it’s an honor to be back in Wheeling where I grew up and do a mural here," Duymich said. "That’s my roots!"

The artist collaborated with Tucker and the GWSEA team to develop a concept for the new artwork.

"Really we just wanted to incorporate the Wheeling community and the things that make Wheeling so important," Duymich said. "I also wanted to incorporate music, which obviously has been a big part of the Capitol Theatre."

The mural prominently features the statues displayed on either side of the Capitol stage that audience members can see from inside the theater's auditorium. It also highlights the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a landmark next door to the Capitol, the downtown Wheeling skyline, the Ohio River and rolling hills, along with a giant acoustic guitar encompassed in a vintage-style border.

Frank O'Brien, executive director of the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau, reviewed the recent history of the historic theater, which first opened in 1920. Clear Channel, which had acquired WWVA, closed the theater in 2006 after the aging facility failed inspection for code violations.

O'Brien said the CVB conducted an economic impact study at the time and estimated the community had lost more than $1 million in November and December of that year because of the loss of programming at the theater. The CVB met with stakeholders, bought the building, worked to bring it up to code by addressing 28 violations and reopened the theater in 2009.

"It's been a wonderful road since then," O'Brien said, noting that the facility, after undergoing millions of dollars in renovations, has been debt-free since 2019.

Although the CVB owns the Capitol Theatre, the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority operates the theater and brings a variety of concerts, shows and events to the facility. O'Brien praised the partnership with the GWSEA and its team, along with Wheeling Heritage.

"Preservation is one of their pillars, and we couldn’t be happier to be involved in the preservation of this iconic venue, which still today is generating a positive economic impact on our community to the tune of $3 million to $5 million in direct spending by visitors related to the programming at this theater," O'Brien said.

"This doesn’t happen without partnerships," said Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. "This is really part of our mission to promote tourism, partnerships, arts and culture. We truly believe that arts and culture create a strong community and a strong city."

Wheeling Heritage's Partnership Grant program provides a total of $20,000 each year for different projects throughout town. Local entities apply for these grants -- typically $1,000 -- for projects that enhance arts, culture, education and small business in the community, with rounds of grant awards issued quarterly.

The GWSEA contributed additional funds to bring the backstage mural project to life, and now visiting artists will be able to see a piece of the community that showcases its pride in its deep music history.

"The Capitol Theatre has been a part of Wheeling for generations," Tucker said. "It has welcomed countless performers and audiences, and continues to play a very important role in our community. I want to thank everyone in the community who continues to believe in the Capitol Theatre and in celebrating the rich history of Wheeling."

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