Every corner of Altoona has a story to tell. Now, there’s a wall in Olde Town telling them all at once. “A Day in Altoona”—a vibrant new mural by artists Sarah Schrijver and Anna Segner—was completed in July, and it’s already become a local favorite. Stretching across the wall just off 1st Street, this bright, detailed snapshot of the community captures what it’s like to live, play, and connect in Altoona. It’s a colorful reminder of what community looks like when everyone adds a brushstroke.
Capturing Everyday Altoona
The mural celebrates the beauty of daily life here: seeing neighbors gather in parks, families explore the trails, and kids find adventure in the city’s green spaces. It’s called “A Day in Altoona” for a reason: it’s full of familiar spots and local landmarks, woven together into one joyful scene. If you look closely, you’ll spot the retro “Mars 1” rocket statue from Haines Park, the frog sculpture from the Altoona Public Library, and the Enabling Garden’s praying mantis—each tucked among painted flowers, a pond, and sunshine-filled sidewalks. “In our mural, we were inspired by how members of the Altoona community interact and engage with the green spaces,” the artists explained. “We were inspired by the abundant bike trails, peaceful walking paths, fishing spots, and recreation areas where members of the Altoona community gather and spend time together.” That sense of connection is what brings the whole mural to life. It feels like Altoona, not just in how it looks, but in how it moves.
A Tribute to Nature and Community
Nature plays a starring role in this piece. The mural bursts with native Iowa flora and fauna: an American Goldfinch (the state bird), monarchs on milkweed, a bee, and a brimstone moth. These tiny details celebrate the biodiversity that thrives in Altoona’s prairies and oak savannas, as well as the community’s shared commitment to protecting those spaces. Every brushstroke honors the land, the people who care for it, and the moments that make Altoona’s parks and trails so special.
Meet the Artists Behind the Mural
Sarah Schrijver, founder of Studio Blindspot, is a Mitchellville-based artist and former art teacher who’s spent much of her life working in the Altoona area. After years in the classroom, she made the leap to full-time artistry in 2024—creating murals, portraits, and installations across Iowa. Anna Segner, a Minnesota native and associate teaching professor at Iowa State University, brings a love of nature to her mural work. She’s known for celebrating Iowa’s ecosystems through large-scale public art, including her collaborative woodland mural at Lake Iowa Park. Together, Sarah and Anna brought their shared appreciation for nature, storytelling, and community to this project, transforming a wall in Olde Town into something that feels true to Altoona’s spirit.
A Living Part of Olde Town
Public art has a way of grounding a place, and “A Day in Altoona” does just that. It’s bright but peaceful, detailed yet inviting. More than a mural, it’s a reflection of Altoona as a community that knows how to make every day beautiful. So next time you’re in Olde Town, stop by and spot your favorites. You’ll see a story told in color, celebrating a day in Altoona that never really ends.
Discover More Art in Altoona
Thanks for reading this edition of Masterpieces of Altoona! We’ll be regularly updating this blog with content about Altoona’s amazing public art displays. Be on the lookout for more Masterpieces of Altoona QR codes—you’ll find them at exhibits throughout the city! Follow Visit Altoona on social to stay in the loop.
Thank you to BRAVO Greater Des Moines for sponsoring this mural. Visit their website to learn more.
