A Look At My Favorite Murals in Ashland, KY
Whether you’re an Ashland, KY local or you’re passing through and looking to get a feel for the “local” experience, one of my favorite things to recommend is that folks explore the various art and attractions that this amazing city has to offer.
I’d like to start by saying that I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve had to do the work that I love in the place that I live. Although I also serve clients across the region and the country, it makes me so happy to provide public mural, sign painting, and branding services in Ashland, KY, where I live and work. Although this list is certainly not exhaustive and each piece I work on means something unique and special to me, today we’ll go over a handful of murals in Ashland, KY, that are especially near and dear to me. I think you should explore them and the businesses where you’ll find some of them!
#1 - Aladdin’s Art Gallery:
The mural at Aladdin’s Art Gallery is such a fun, whimsical piece of art that has not only provided enjoyment to the community and its visitors, but it has greatly increased foot traffic into the business. Although the piece was originally commissioned simply to beautify the building in a way that made the business owner happy, the mural and custom-painted signage for the business have been incredible tools for attracting new customers. The concept for the mural, which includes daffodils, koi fish, and lily pads, was inspired by art history and Ashland’s nearby Central Park. A little fun fact for the Swifties, there are a few easter eggs in this mural! Think you can find them?
#2 - Horse Mural, Apartments at Greenup & Winchester:
This impactful mural was commissioned by the owner of the apartment building on which it’s painted! With a desire to participate in Ashland’s growing public art movement and a heart for community engagement, the owner partnered with an art class at Russell High School to hold a contest for the mural design. A cash prize was awarded to the student, and The Tipton Creative reworked the original design to fit the space and proportions of the building. The design was chosen based on the movement in the image and you can feel the energy emanating from the piece in person.
#3 - Identity Salon & Spa:
Identity Salon & Spa’s mural is a wonderful example of using art strategically to create an experience. Since the architecture and building that houses the salon are very industrial, the mural was designed intentionally to bring balance to the interior. I added florals that were interwoven with Edison bulbs and gears to the space to cultivate an inviting energy that didn’t contrast too harshly with the metal and exposed brick in the space.
#4 - Sandy’s Racing & Gaming:
This painting is one I like to reference when speaking about building the business from within. While murals and signs can be so successful at attracting customers, they can also be used to strengthen the morale of those working IN your business as well. Working in a nice environment builds enthusiasm and can even help with employee retention. This sign welcomes employees into their workspace! It boosts morale and honors the company’s branding by incorporating Sandy’s brand colors as well as icons that are representative of various aspects of horse racing and gaming. This project was completed on a particularly tight timeline, just a week before opening, but we got it done!
#5 - Ashland, KY’s Floodwall:
It was such a pleasure to work with the City of Ashland on this floodwall mural. When the city rebranded, they started by surveying citizens. When asked what they wanted Ashland to be known for, a majority of the results revealed that we want to be known for the arts and for being neighborly. Ashland’s “Create with Us” branding is important to me as it empowered me to start my creative business coming out of the pandemic. The colors in the mural represent the three pillars of Ashland’s branding: blue for community, green for growth, and purple for creativity.
#6 - Pretty & Poised:
Last but certainly not least, the mural at Pretty & Poised is near and dear to my heart because this adorable boutique is also the last place I worked a job before becoming a full-time muralist and designer. I took a job at Pretty & Poised after graduating from college during the pandemic. I moved home to study to get into an MBA program and wanted to work doing something fun. While working at Pretty & Poised, I started receiving opportunities to do murals and branding. The third mural I ever did is the mural at Pretty & Poised. The rough lettering in the design reflects where it started, sketched out with a sharpie on my notepad while working a shift at the store. The timing of the project truly helped me to understand the impact murals can have on businesses and the community. We completed the mural project just as the community was beginning to reopen after pandemic shutdowns. Designing this mural allowed Pretty & Poised to communicate its mission, empower the community, and attract new customers during a time when we were all looking for connection and growth. Less than two months later, The Tipton Creative was born!
I hope you’ll take the time to find these murals throughout Ashland and visit the businesses that host some of them. Ashland is a vibrant community full of passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. I’m grateful for the part I play in helping to showcase that.
If you’re interested in learning more about custom murals in Ashland, KY, and beyond, The Tipton Creative is here to help! Complete our contact form and we’ll reach out to discuss further.
