New Mural at Henry County Extension Office Celebrates 4-H and Local Artistry

Mural Artist: Annie Guldberg “Oil Painter Annie” & Volunteer Painter Malia Lohmann

MOUNT PLEASANT — A blank gray wall on the side of the Henry County Extension Office is being transformed into a vibrant celebration of youth, agriculture, and community, thanks to the brushstrokes of local artist Annie Guldberg — also known as Oil Painter Annie.

Guldberg, a full-time Mount Pleasant artist, has spent the past year honing her mural skills and reaching out to area organizations with one goal in mind: to bring more large-scale public art to Southeast Iowa.

Her persistence paid off when the Henry County Extension Office responded to her outreach with an offer — and a wall.

“This actually started last fall,” Guldberg explained during an interview on site. “They even had a second option — a barn east of town — but we realized it wouldn’t be visible enough. So we went with this wall, and it’s just a perfect location.”

 

The theme? 4-H, naturally — but with a modern twist. Working closely with the local 4-H Teen Council, Guldberg helped translate a brainstorm of ideas into a mural design that captures the diverse range of programs and experiences 4-H offers.

“It’s not just livestock or projects at the fair,” Guldberg said. “The Teen Council wanted to show the full picture — leadership, community service, STEM, agriculture, and everything in between.”

 

The imagery was carefully organized in a thoughtful color order, creating a cohesive visual experience for anyone passing by the Henry County Extension Office.

The mural, still in progress, is already turning heads and drawing curiosity from those passing by. With a few more sunny days, the final product will soon stand as a lasting tribute to the impact of 4-H and the creativity of a local artist driven to brighten the walls of her hometown.

Stay tuned for an unveiling once the work is complete — and a new landmark takes its place in Henry County.