Tikkanen Mural Open House

When Dave DeGeorge retired and closed Lakeway Restaurant in 2024, he had over 50 years of memories to clear from the building. Among the objects DeGeorge had to clear was a Paul Tikkanen mural that hung over the lunch counter. The mural depicted various scenes and persons from around Ashtabula Harbor. Dave's parents, Bruno and Gerri, had commissioned the mural sometime around 1960, when Tikkanen was also painting window signs for the restaurant. Despite Dave's best efforts, he had not been able to find someone who could accommodate the large painting. That's when a friend suggested the Harbor-Topky Memorial Library.

"To be honest, I overlooked the mural each time I was in Lakeway. I never thought to look up," said Andy Pochatko, Harbor-Topky Memorial Library reference librarian. "As soon as I saw the Tikkanen mural, though, I knew it had to be saved." Dave DeGeorge agreed to lend the mural to the library as a permanent display. Once it was removed from the restaurant, Pochatko hired ICA-Art Conservation of Cleveland to professionally clean the painting. Thanks to grants from the Ashtabula Foundation, the Friends of the Harbor-Topky Library, and various donations, the work was completed in mid-2025.
 

Now the library is inviting the public to come view the completed painting. The library is holding an open house on Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Ashtabula Arts Center will have a mini Tikkanen exhibit. The Friends of the Harbor-Topky Library will be on hand for those interested in aiding the library. And Dave DeGeorge will be present to greet old friends. Light refreshments will be provided.