3

Nilsson is pictured wearing the apron he used while painting the mural.  

 

 Gus Hedberg photo

Hood River Artist Mark Nilsson, left, was recognized Feb. 26 by Hood River County School District (HRCSD) Superintendent Bill Newton, right, and the school board for creating a 212-foot mural at Mid Valley Elementary School in Odell. Mid Valley Principal Kim Yasui said Nilsson captured the spirit of Odell and of longtime Mid Valley teacher Holly Cohn, who died in 2022 and to whom the park is dedicated. The mural faces the school’s new playground, both organized by the school’s PTO.