​​​​​​White Castle unveils Columbus-themed mural with original artwork by CCAD student

White Castle formed an innovative partnership with Columbus College of Art & Design to display works by student artists at the chain’s flagship restaurant in Columbus’ flourishing Short North neighborhood. Completed in time for Short North Gallery Hop on Saturday, March 2, 2019, White Castle welcomes art viewers and Cravers to experience a new, original mural designed by local illustrator and CCAD senior, Megan Earley, at its 965 N. High St. restaurant.

“White Castle is proud to call Columbus home and to support the local arts and education that are so very important to our community,” said Erin Shannon, corporate relations manager at White Castle. “Our flagship restaurant is in the middle of the high-paced Short North neighborhood and we’re thrilled to unveil the hard work that Megan Earley and her team put into making our restaurant a beautiful and artistic addition to the area.”

Earley completed the first phase of her mural at White Castle’s Short North location in February 2019, along with support from local artists Bryan Moss, Hakim Callwood and Ceanne Titchner. The mural, entitled, “Celebrate Columbus,” will have two planned updates leading up to the April and May Gallery Hop events, respectively. Earley and the supporting artists were compensated for the mural’s design and installation by White Castle.

“I am so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with White Castle and create a mural that is a part of the greater Columbus community. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to paint a mural, and I never imagined it would happen so early in my career, even before I finish school,” said Earley. “I decided to focus my design on community, tradition, and celebration as these are qualities I feel Columbus as a city embodies.”

“Paying artists is extremely important. We're constantly teaching our students that they shouldn't undervalue their art and design,” said Dr. Melanie Corn, president of CCAD. “So we're excited to partner with White Castle in this capacity, to see them truly support artists and designers in the community.”