The Lakeshore Museum Center is proud to announce that visual artist Patrick Holmes will unveil a new, site-specific mural during the August Community Day at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry, taking place Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The event, titled "We Can Do It! Women in WWII," honors the legacy of the women who powered Muskegon’s wartime industry during the Second World War. In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the war's end, the museum is inviting visitors to explore the impact of local “Rosies” and share their own family stories.
Patrick Holmes’ mural, created specifically for this event, offers a powerful visual reflection on labor, memory, and representation. Known for his expressionist style and critical engagement with public space, Holmes’ work challenges viewers to reconsider historical narratives through contemporary form. His murals, often situated in institutional and community environments, act as both tributes and interrogations, fostering deeper reflection on shared histories.
Holmes holds an MFA in Painting and an MA in Visual and Critical Studies from Kendall College of Art and Design. His creative practice spans painting and sculpture, and he is especially focused on illuminating overlooked contributions within collective memory.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with an artist whose work so thoughtfully considers Muskegon’s legacy,” said Site Manager of the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry Kirk Bunke. “Holmes’ mural is not only a celebration of Muskegon’s past, but a reminder of how art can shape our understanding of history today.”
Additionally, the event will feature two special guests who embody the spirit of the “Rosies.” Angie Morthland of Mackinaw City and Linda Rogers of Cheboygan are retired educators and dedicated historical reenactors whose grandmothers both served as Rosies during World War II. Passionate about preserving and sharing this important chapter of American history, Morthland and Rogers have spent years educating school and civic groups, marching in parades, and presenting at events across the country.
The pair maintains a Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden and a dedicated exhibit space aboard the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum in Mackinaw City. They have also presented at the American Rosie the Riveter National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. During the winter months, Morthland continues her outreach with programs in Florida. On August 2, they bring their knowledge, stories, and enthusiasm to Muskegon to honor the women who helped shape the war effort on the home front.
Admission to the event is free and open to all ages. In addition to the mural unveiling, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, exhibits, and storytelling opportunities throughout the museum. Our thanks to our event sponsors RENK America, Eagle Alloy Inc., and Delta Hotels Muskegon.
For more information about this event or the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, visit lakeshoremuseum.org/muskegon-
