The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has a new visual addition to the information it can offer tourists and business people who stop by its office -- a 10-foot by 17-foot wall mural. Painted by Stephen Oosterling of Williamson, NY, the mural celebrates 65 years of racing history in the small upstate New York community.
According to Watkins Glen International's president, Michael Printup, the track requested a work of art that "represented everything that has raced at The Glen." Mr. Printup is pleased with the result, saying, “It is great to work with Steve on such a significant project and see the final product.”
Five race cars are depicted in the mural -- The No. 99 Toyota Eagle MKIII IMSA GTP driven by Juan Manuel Fangio II; the No. 6 Elf Tyrrell 006 Cosworth Ford piloted by Francois Cevert, the No. 9 Target Dallara/Honda taken to Victory Lane by Scott Dixon; Hurley Haywood’s No. 59 Porsche 911 GRAND-AM GT; and Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot Chevrolet Impala.
“It was a really great experience,” Mr. Oosterling said about the project. “It is the first mural I have ever done and I am really pleased with it. Everything came together through the collaboration with The Glen.”
The artist's seventeen-year old son, Alex Oosterling, helped his father complete his first-ever mural in eight days. The pair worked every Saturday for eight weeks, totaling approximately 70 hours.
“Watkins Glen International is an integral part of our community and it is so important for the track to have a significant presence at our Visitors Center,” Rebekah LaMoreaux, President and CEO of Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce said. “It is a fantastic piece of art and truly represents the history of The Glen.”
Oostering’s work is part of private and corporate collections through North America. His career in motor sports art began in 1994 and Oosterling started working with The Glen in 2000 after displaying artwork during September vintage weekends.
To see the mural, visit the Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce located at 214 North Franklin Street in the village.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Connie Ann Kirk, Ph.D. is the author of several books and also writes for the National edition of Examiner.com. With Irish historic racer, John Monson, M.D., she is working on a book about racers and racing.
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