The restored mural titled “Oh My Gawd Road” was unveiled at its temporary home in Citizens Park in Idaho Springs in time for July 4th festivities.
For decades the mural depicting downtown Idaho Springs and the infamous ‘Oh My Gawd’ Road” hung on the outside of the “brown barn” adjacent to the former Citywide bank and future headquarters of Idaho Springs Police at 1744 Miner St.
The wooden mural is painted as an amalgamation of the city of Idaho Springs with people, cars, trucks and wooden structures.
The original design was painted by a local artist Wendall Pugh in the early ‘90s, according to Director of the Historical Society of Idaho Springs Jan Boland.
However, years of weather, wind and sun took a toll on the mural’s paint as it faded into the past.
Hearing about the idea to restore the mural, the Clear Creek School Board offered the gymnasium at the old Carlson Elementary School building as a workshop. Since the mural is approximately 10 feet tall and at least 24 feet across, the gym provided plenty of room to spread out.
When the original reconstruction artist Shawn Cox was forced to step away from the project due to health issues, new Clear Creek County resident Keith Prossick was asked to step in and finish the project.
Prossick, who recently moved to the county from New York, owns and operates the Anomaly Art Gallery in Georgetown, said he was honored at the request and relished the challenge of restoring the iconic mural for Idaho Springs, especially since he is new to the county.
Community support
“I’ve always thought volunteering is the best way to get to know people and introduce yourself to the community,” Prossick said.
At least a half-dozen public services in Idaho Springs and local businesses donated time, space and money to complete the mural restoration project.
The Colorado Mountain Bike Association provided a $500 donation to the project and is starting a tax-deductible donation option for anyone else interested in supporting the restoration efforts, according to COMBA Director Gary Moore.
The Clear Creek Fire Authority helped to break down the plywood panels inside the former Carlson gym and transport them to Citizens Park on July 3 where hundreds of people would gather for 4th of July celebrations.
Prossick watched the mural reassembled with pride, he said, returning a symbol to the town.
“I get a joy out of saving things, a lot of things in my gallery are things that I have saved or restored. The ability to bring it back to life, it’s just something I like to do,” Prossick said.
“Oh My Gawd Road” in Idaho Springs earned its name by reputation, according to many locals.
Officially, it’s Virginia Canyon Scenic Drive in Clear Creek County. The gravel road in Idaho Springs is described by many residents as a narrow, curving, dirt and rock lane that will have you shouting, “Oh My Gawd!” over and over.