Wacek pool goes under the sea

Travel by Tim and Mary Wacek's residence in Blooming Prairie, and you will think you are in a Walt Disney movie.
The Waceks' above ground pool has been transformed into a seascape created by the wife of Tim's cousin. The theme for the mural that wraps around two sides of the pool brings to life the song, "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid.
The artist is Naomi Jirele of Owatonna. With the help of her son Ryan and a friend Keith Wohlenhaus, Naomi completed the project last week.
"In a pinch, he will make it happen," Jirele says about her son's assistance to her painting projects.
Naomi (Janning), a 1982 graduate of Blooming Prairie High School, said she invested about 60 hours in doing the artwork on the Wacek pool.
Jirele said Tim and Mary wanted a mural for their pool deck and who better to paint it but Naomi. With her creativity, Jirele designed real ocean life. "Tim and Mary didn't want anything cutesy," she said.
The result showcases sea turtles, dolphins, jelly fish, a sting ray and other varieties of fish.
Jirele has also painted a lighthouse on the northwest corner of the pool. She said Tim plans to put a light atop the lighthouse.
If the kids look close, they will find Nemo. It's an older version, Jirele points out.
Painting the three sea turtles, Jirele said, was the toughest part of the project. The detail is important with the turtles, she pointed out.
Jirele classifies herself as a general artist. She helps create set designs and does artistic painting for the Little Theatre of Owatonna.
Typically busy during the summer months, Jirele said CODIV-19 has slowed down her workload. She does teach on her own, leading barn quilt workshops and helping out with community education classes.
She also teaches sewing through the Youth Enrichment League of Chaska.
Her whole life has revolved around art. Her grandmother Margaret "got me into crafts and rose malling," says Jirele. "I loved going to grandma's house," she smiled.
Jirele uses reference shots (photos or sketches) during her painting projects. She recently has been doing cabin doors for an individual on the Gunflint Trail.
For her pool project at the Wacek residence, Jirele used regular exterior house paint and blends colors. She also seals her painting projects.
"I love helping people and creating pieces of art they desire," she said.