Oak Harbor mural honors hidden WWII artwork

Published 1:30 am Saturday, May 30, 2026

Some of the last World War II-era murals made by U.S. soldiers are hidden behind a wall in Oak Harbor.

A new mural in Oak Harbor is bringing that secret back into public view. The artwork is part of the Allgire Project, an outdoor mural gallery spanning two adjacent buildings at 720 and 740 Southeast Pioneer Way. Founded in 2019 by the buildings’ owner, Sarah Schacht, the privately funded space has evolved into a rotating public art installation aimed at supporting local businesses while giving people a reason to explore the area.

The newest addition stands out for its historical roots. Painted by Amelia Kaiser in collaboration with contributing artist Katie Swanson to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, the mural recreates a painting by the late Frank Griffin, a former Island County resident and enlisted Navy sailor, along with a depiction of a news clipping from the time.

His mural, along with others, has gone unseen for more than six decades, concealed behind a false wall in one of the Allgire buildings, which once served as a United Service Organizations club. Griffin’s painting depicts a fictional scene of U.S. Corsair Navy fighters attacking a Heinkel bomber while two U.S. ships sink an enemy submarine in Puget Sound.

“He did it in this really dramatic style, and I just think it’s so cool,” Schacht said. “We wanted to share that art and history with the Whidbey community, with folks who are active duty at NAS Whidbey, and with tourists who come to the island.”

During a remodel, a protective wall was placed over Griffin’s and other artists’ work, but Schacht’s grandfather ensured the murals would not be forgotten by taping a newspaper clipping to the wall labeled: “historic mural — don’t destroy.”

“He clearly had a lot of foresight because historians have now told me I may have some of the last remaining World War II soldier-art murals in America,” Schacht said. “We haven’t actually seen these murals in 60-plus years, but we know that they’re there.”

According to Schacht, such murals were not uncommon during the war. The Navy and the USO hired enlisted service members with artistic backgrounds to create welcoming environments in military spaces while also reinforcing wartime messaging.

“Of course their whole message was, ‘We gotta win World War II. We gotta fight against fascism,’” she said. “So these are intense murals.”

As Schacht’s second cousin, Kaiser was eager to work on the mural. It took her about 20 hours to complete, she said, and she fondly remembers the interactions she had with passersby while working.

“I get excited about working with people to tell a story that’s meaningful to them,” she said. “I just really love what Sarah’s doing to continue the legacy that her grandparents started by investing in the community and making downtown that much more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.”

Kaiser has painted murals for 20 years, most of which feature Pacific Northwest themes. In addition to murals, she works in watercolor and acrylic on canvas. She recently opened a shared artist studio space in Mount Vernon. Find her work at www.ameliakaiser.com or on Instagram @amelia_kaiser_art.

Griffin himself had a notable artistic background. Schacht said he was a contemporary of Walt Disney, competing alongside his daughter in cartoon contests where they frequently alternated between first and second place. He also designed the Black Cat insignia seen on World War II-era Navy aircraft. Later in life, Griffin returned to Oak Harbor searching for his mural and connected with Schacht’s family. His relatives, she said, are pleased to see the work recreated.

Beyond its historical significance, the mural also serves as a reflection point for the Whidbey community.

“It’s a reminder of the sacrifice and values of a prior generation of Navy sailors, and I think it reminds us of what is still important today,” Schacht said, “those values of fighting for freedom, liberty, and democracy.”

The Allgire Project continues to expand beyond this single piece. Other murals in the collection highlight Whidbey Island’s culture and history, and visitors can take self-guided tours using QR codes posted on-site.

The project’s impact has drawn hundreds of people each month to the outdoor exhibit.

“A lot of folks say they never would have come to downtown Oak Harbor if they hadn’t heard about the Allgire Project,” Schacht said. “They didn’t know there was a cute downtown with great independent businesses close to the waterfront.”

Support from the community has played a role in its growth. Sherwin-Williams Oak Harbor donated the paint for the most recent mural, which Schacht noted required more color variation than its sepia tone might suggest.

The Allgire Project has also invested back into its community. In past years, Schacht has offered scholarships that allow students to paint murals, gain experience and receive $1,000 along with mentorship that can lead to future work.

“We’ve seen muralists of the Allgire Project as early-career artists go on to get more substantial work,” Schacht said. “So that’s been a thrill to see.”

Merchandise tied to the World War II-inspired mural will be sold at Feather and Fox, with proceeds funding the next historical recreation planned for October. The murals remain open daily to the public. Applications for future artists are accepted on a rolling basis at www.allgireproject.com.