It was a beautiful day at Waite High School as students, mural artist Dean Davis, and philanthropists Dr. Tom and Betsy Brady gathered to celebrate a fresh new look for one of Toledo’s most iconic landmarks — the Waite stadium.
Watch the video below to hear directly from the Bradys and artist Dean Davis about the inspiration behind this project.
Breathing New Life Into a Toledo Landmark
The mural, painted on the historic Waite High School stadium, represents more than a colorful upgrade — it’s a symbol of community pride and creativity. As Davis explains, “The stadium is one of the only ones in the state of Ohio built the way it is. This mural wasn’t just about giving the kids something; it was about giving the community something as well.”
A Shared Vision for Art and Education
For Dr. Tom and Betsy Brady, long-time supporters of education and the arts, this project blended two of their greatest passions.
“Part of our real interest is supporting education and the cultural activities in our community — and this is both,” said Dr. Tom Brady. “We really feel that Dr. Durant and Toledo Public Schools have taken an awesome step here.”
Their generosity helped make the mural a reality, transforming the aging stadium wall into a work of art that celebrates Waite’s heritage and future. Artist Dean Davis saw the opportunity not only to revitalize the space, but to connect with students in a meaningful way.
“It gave me a chance to get inside the classrooms and discuss with the kids what public art does for communities,” Davis said. He emphasized that public art isn’t just about self-expression — it’s about collaboration and service. “Public art is not for an artist to just put what they want up on a wall,” Davis shared. “The real goal of public art is a servant-leadership conversation: getting a community to embrace it.”
As Dr. Tom and Betsy Brady reflected on the completed mural, they described a unique joy in seeing their support come to life:
“When you see something like this, as opposed to donating to a fund, you see a working product,” said Dr. Brady. “Especially when it has to do with art, culture, and education — it’s a special feeling.”
Thanks to their generosity and the creativity of Dean Davis, Waite High School now has a vibrant new piece of public art that stands as a lasting tribute to community, creativity, and collaboration.