By Dennis Volkert
Work continues on a mural at Freight House, on the grounds of Sturgis Historical Museum — At The Depot.
It depicts the two main passenger train lines that passed through Sturgis into the 1950s, New York Central and Pennsylvania Railroad. One was a largely east/west route, the other north/south.
The passenger lines had been part of Lake Shore and Michigan Southern. In 1914, they became part of New York Central’s system.
Heidi Wolfe, of Wolfe Makes Art, and Callie Aldrich, an Indiana artist, are collaborating for the painting. Bill Haack, leader of Sturgis Area Model Railroaders, developed the concept, and spearheaded funding. Tom Walker donated the wall space.
Haack was among the passengers on the last ride through Sturgis before the line ceased.
Wolfe said Haack connected with her in fall 2024 to design the mural.
“Bill’s desire was to have a mural that honored the main passenger train lines that traveled through Sturgis. He and the ‘train guys’ primed and painted the wall, then I began painting.”
Wolfe’s son, Isaac Palacios, helped with painting as they attempted to beat the winter freeze.
Wolfe initially suggested having the mural feature a map in a vintage illustration style of the historical train lines, but the plan evolved.
“We ended up highlighting just the two main train lines that were the last ones to carry passengers,” she told Sturgis Sentinel.
The logos of both train lines are highlighted on the front of the engines, but also in the typeface at the top corners. Those designs were taken from a travel poster for the railways, Wolfe said.
According to Rosalie Currier at Sturgis Historical Society, it was Haack’s vision to make the experience of entering the model train room even more intriguing. The mural display concept grew from that.
Tentative plan for unveiling of the mural is set for 5-7 p.m. July 27, during Sturgis Fest.
Wolfe Makes Art creates signs, murals, store fronts and business logos.
The approach is a blend of history and unique, modern business branding.
The Freight House mural is an example of work Wolfe does that is “retro-inspired” and teaches history, Currier said.
During operation of the two passenger lines, the depot was located on Main Street. In 2014, it was moved to its current location on Chicago Road.
Wolfe Makes Art has been involved with 16 design projects throughout Sturgis, and several others in nearby communities.
Recent work includes creating signage at Timberly Tree Farm and My Freakin’ Pizza, and painting the “You Are Electric” murals, as part of the downtown lighting initiative.
Aldrich said she enjoys the workflow and creative process in her collaboration with Wolfe.
“The fun thing about working with another artist is the little tips and tricks that are picked up from observing or asking questions. Assisting on this mural has given me a healthy dose of creative accountability.”
Wolfe said she hadn’t intended it to be a group project, but embraces the team approach.
“Usually, it’s myself and the client,” she said. “But I have realized the exponential joy that comes from teamwork. (That) helps me to create the best possible artwork as an artist.”
Online: www.sturgismuseum.org/freight-house
www.facebook.com/wolfemakesart
