Youngstown native committed to documenting local murals, share passion of community art

Youngstown native Lou Venneri is on a mission to document every outdoor mural in the area and share his passion for the arts with his community.

Born at St. Elizabeth’s Northside, Venneri said spending time finding the murals became a celebration of local talent, while also providing him with an opportunity to gain insight into the resilience, creativity, and diversity of his hometown of Youngstown.

“Documenting these murals feels like preserving the soul of Youngstown. Each mural tells a story of its people — stories that may otherwise be lost over time,” he said. “By capturing and sharing these artworks, I hope to not only archive the evolving identity of the city but also celebrate the artists and their contributions to the community.”

“It’s a way to keep Youngstown’s rich history alive while also showcasing its ongoing transformation,” Venneri added.

Venneri, who has always been involved with the arts from collecting and promoting to organizing, said he believes that outdoor and community art, especially murals, play a profound role in shaping the identity of a community.

Venneri believes the Youngstown community benefits in several ways from the wide and diverse array of outdoor murals in the area.

“These murals spark conversations and reflections on local history and culture, they beautify and revitalize public spaces, and they attract visitors,” he said. “More importantly, they foster a sense of pride and connection among residents, allowing them to see their stories, struggles, and dreams represented in art.”

Venneri said the murals help build bridges between different generations and cultures, creating a more cohesive and united Youngstown.

He went on to share that visiting the murals brought a mix of emotions including pride, inspiration, and sometimes nostalgia. He said murals, such as the ones he has photographed, can evoke memories of the past, honor local heroes, and illustrate the challenges and triumphs of the community.

“They stir up a sense of belonging and identity, reminding us of the resilience and creativity of the people who live here,” Venneri said.

Venneri explained that while searching for murals to document, he had a few interesting, scary, and funny adventures including being chased by a dog that appeared chained, but the chain was not attached to anything and being headbutted by a billy goat.

He said his commitment to photographing the local art was unwavering even after a bad fall on his last outing.

“I tripped on an uneven sidewalk, fell, and broke my shoulder,” he said. “I still continued on to find the 80th mural under the Mr. Peanut bridge downtown and then I drove myself to the emergency room.”

Venneri said some of his favorite murals include the Martin Luther King, Jr. mural on Market Street on the southside, the butterfly masked woman mural on the El Hefe building on North State Street in Girard, the train mural on the side of Tavern 26 on 12th Street in Campbell, Youngstown with molten steel on the “O” mural on South Avenue on the southside, and Create A Better Tomorrow mural on Glenwood Avenue on the westside.

He said outdoor art is important because it transforms public spaces into platforms for expression, reflection, and dialogue. He said they capture the spirit and history of a community, making it accessible to all.

“Public murals tell stories, create visual landmarks, and offer a sense of pride and ownership to local residents, often reflecting the cultural and social issues of the area,” Venneri said.

So far, Venneri has put approximately 300 miles on his vehicle while searching for the murals. He has currently photographed 80 in the Youngstown and surrounding areas.

He said he wants the community to know that this project is not just about art — it’s about storytelling, history, and connection.

“My passion for finding and sharing these murals comes from a deep love for Youngstown and its people. By bringing attention to these murals, I hope to honor the city’s past, celebrate its present, and inspire its future,” he said. “These murals are a testament to our collective strength, creativity, and resilience - and I want everyone to feel that when they see them.”