A day in the life: Okoboji

Date of  Completion

July 2021

About the Mural

A Day in the Life: Okoboji is part of Imagine Iowa Great Lakes’ mural program, launched in 2020. The program aims to bring artistry, color, and interest to the area by commissioning regional artists to paint murals for the public to enjoy. Mural themes strive to capture the spirit of Okoboji and reflect life in the Iowa Great Lakes Region with a focus on family fun, the area’s unique ecology, natural beauty, and the special qualities that make Okoboji a great place to visit and live.

Meet the Artist

John Neal

John Neal has been painting for over 30 years, working in a variety of mediums from illustration to hand-painted billboards to largescale murals. Neal has a self-described ability to paint anything in a signature photo-realistic style. He earned his Master’s Degree in painting from Drake University and is based in Des Moines. John Neal designed A Day in the Life: Okoboji to welcome people to the Iowa Great Lakes. The mural shares the fun and excitement of a day on the lakes and trails of the region through a combination of realistic figures and colorful, abstract designs. Check out more of John’s work here.