Celebrate creativity with The Mural Art Experience! As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah is brimming with artistic charm. Photograph and share your favorites, then show some love for these incredible mural artists by including artist credit on social media. Find your new favorite piece of art in #PaducahCreativeCity!
Port of Paducah Welcome (Paducah Riverfront)
ARTIST: City of Paducah LOCATION: Paducah Riverfront
Welcome to Paducah, KY! This riverfront panel painted on Paducah's floodwall welcomes travelers arriving by land and water. Paducah has long served as a river port at the hub of America's inland waterway system and the heart of the Four Rivers Region.
Paducah "Wall To Wall" Floodwall Murals
ARTIST: Robert Dafford & the Dafford Murals Team
LOCATION: Paducah's floodwall, Water St., Jefferson to Washington Streets
Completed in 2022, Paducah's most esteemed public art project features more than 50 life-sized Portraits from Paducah's Past by Robert Dafford, one of America's most prolific mural artists. Begin to understand how Paducah's cultural heritage is shaped by the rivers with a walk along this wall of murals. The title panel, located at the corner of Jefferson and Water Streets, introduces three blocks of murals with corresponding interpretive panels.
Four Rivers Region Quilt (The Carson Center)
ARTISTS: Designed by Christina Zeidler & Deanne Lehtinen; Painted by Christina Zeidler, Deanne Lehtinen, Keyth Kahrs, Kim O'Donnell, Paul Lorenz & Kristi Hanson
LOCATION: The Carson Center (Indoor), 100 Kentucky Avenue
This commissioned hand-painted mural spans the entire back wall of the Carson Center lobby, depicting the Four Rivers Region on a quilt backdrop. The mural can be viewed from outdoors or upon entering the lobby.
The Eat Art Murals (Kirchhoff's Bakery & Deli)
ARTIST: Toney Little LOCATION: Maiden Alley, behind Kirchhoff's Bakery & Deli (Outdoor)
Located outdoors in Maiden Alley, this mural memorializes some of the iconic imagery that represents the Kirchhoff's Bakery tradition. The background shares a pattern with the classic Kirchhoff's to-go box, and the foreground features a shortbread cookie shaped like the state of Kentucky, several loaves of bread and the likeness of Louie F. Kirchhoff, the modern-day descendant.
Inside the deli, wall murals celebrate Kirchhoff's multi-generational heritage in downtown Paducah with a painting of the Kirchhoff's Bakery bread truck, a Big Boy to represent the beloved "Big Boy" loaf and a vintage bread logo. (ARTIST: Amy Taylor Nolan, LOCATION: Inside Kirchhoff's Bakery & Deli Indoor, 118 Market House Square)
Murals at Max's Brick Oven Café
ARTIST: Amy Taylor Nolan LOCATION: Max's Brick Oven Cafe (Indoor & Outdoor), 112 Market House Square
Within the restaurant and surrounding the patio in the courtyard, Max's Brick Oven Café features 11 distinct murals. These include turn-of-the-century French illustration reproductions in the bar and two takes on Edward Hopper's classic Windows on the Patio. An original mural at the back bar in the courtyard depicts the setting sun, a flatbread pizza, as the bar opens with the moon coming up at the other end.
Fresh Produce (freight house)
ARTIST: Kijsa Housman LOCATION: freight house, 330 South 3rd Street
Colorful vegetables represent the quintessential freight house dining experience — fresh, local fare served in season. This mural is also a nod to the former freight depot’s rich and storied history as a fresh food hub in Paducah.
Wings at The Johnson (The Johnson Bar)
ARTIST: Rudy Holmes LOCATION: The Johnson Bar, 133 South 3rd Street
This prominent winged display on the side of The Johnson Bar has become popular photo spot. Visit and take your "keepsake" photo in front of an intricate set of wings at the corner of 3rd Street and Kentucky Avenue.
Modular Origami Star
ARTIST: Toney Little LOCATION: 300 Block of Broadway
Spanning a portion of the 300 block of Broadway, this bold mural depicts the steps to folding a modular origami star. Reflecting the theme #KeepPaducahCreative, this was commissioned by Yeiser Art Center to represent the community's creativity.
Dialog (MAKE Paducah)
ARTIST: Vlada Soshkina LOCATION: MAKE Paducah, 628 Broadway
A self-portrait of the artist and her husband, this mural depicts a nomadic couple wandering through the wilderness, moving frequently but remaining in constant communication. The bird represents the conversation moving back and forth between the two. This public art project spans the side of MAKE Paducah on 7th Street and was created during the Ukrainian book illustrator's time as Paducah Arts Alliance Artist-in-Residence.
The Kindness Wall (MAKE Paducah)
ARTIST: Kijsa Housman and Paducah Bank Teen Ambassadors LOCATION: MAKE Paducah, 628 Broadway
This polychromatic wall and work of art is ever-changing. All elements are individual icons and stories of acts of kindness experienced by local students. These reflections on what others did and what the kindness meant to the recipient aims to inspire the viewer to reflect on the beauty of an act of kindness.
Lower Town Intersection Murals
ARTIST CREDIT: Michael Terra, Char Downs & John Romang LOCATION: North 7th & Madison Streets, Photo by C. Todd Birdsong.
“Colors for a Smile” is a vibrant street mural designed with color, simplicity and unity at heart. This first prototype in a neighborhood mural series honors the collaborative spirit between the city, neighborhood and artists in a fun and beautiful way.
The Art Garden & Outdoor Murals (Etcetera Coffeehouse)
ARTIST: Toney Little LOCATION: Art Garden and surrounding walls at Etcetera Coffeehouse, 320 North 6th Street
Colorful murals and rotating artist features enhance the Etcetera Coffeehouse garden walk. Imaginative and colorful works include a 63" mural of exploding flower patterns on a black background, a triptych depiction of a cartoon bus ramping over a gap in the sky and a mountain landscape scene with red, white and gray huts and rock formations meant to blend in with garden decor, including the small garden sculpture of one of the huts.
Quilt City USA Murals
ARTISTS: "Corona II: Solar Eclipse" | Quilt Artist, Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry & Muralist, Char Downs "And Our Flag Was Still There" | Quilt Artist Melinda Bula & Muralist Stefanie Graves
LOCATION: Adjacent to Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center, 415 Park Street
This floodwall mural series showcases quilts that portray social, historical or environmental provenance. Local artists have devoted thousand of hours in their studios meticulously recreating “photo realistic” renderings of these quilts. Take a close look and marvel at the skillful painting and attention to detail in stitching, shading and fabric gradations.
#BeKindPaducah (Greenway Trail)
ARTISTS: Community members and leaders led by Kijsa Housman LOCATION: The Greenway Trail, at intersection with U.S. Hwy 45/North Eighth Street
The quilt-like effect of this mural symbolizes Paducah as Quilt City USA® and the beautiful community that results from the quilting together of many diverse aspects. Many community leaders took ownership of the message, participating in the creation of this public art in a tunnel on the Greenway Trail. Stand in front of the I, and you can "BE KIND!"
Climbing Up Paducah (Brockenborough Rotary Health Park)
ARTISTS: Kijsa Housman and many local children and adults LOCATION: Playground, Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, 421 North 13th Street
For this collaborative art piece on the Paducah Rotary Playground climbing wall, lead artist Kijsa Housman drew a life-size coloring book. Students, children and community members were invited to fill in, add color and complete this fun Paducah scene. The illustration includes local landmarks like the Market House and Columbia Theatre.
Behind the Scenes (Pipers Tea & Coffee)
ARTIST: Shanden Simmons LOCATION: Pipers Tea & Coffee (Indoor), 3121 Broadway
Inspired by passion for sourcing and creating the best tea and coffee beverages, this mural depicts the story behind each cup served at Pipers Tea & Coffee. Featuring a coffee roaster on the left side, independent tea and coffee vendors from other countries lead to the final place where the coffee and tea is sold to valued customers in Paducah's Coke Plant.
Enjoy Paducah & Dry Ground (Mellow Mushroom)
ARTIST: Rob Estes, Brushstrokes Signs LOCATION: Mellow Mushroom (Indoor), 3121 Broadway
Enjoy Paducah portrays Mr. Luther Carson, the 7th bottler of Coca-Cola, who had his headquarters in Paducah. Characterized in a colorful Peter Max style, the Enjoy Paducah title is a spin on the popular "Enjoy Coca-Cola" slogan and can be viewed from outside the Coke Plant or inside the restaurant.
Dry Ground incorporates multiple tales of Paducah's past but focuses on the 1937 flood, Chief Paduke and other Paducah dignitaries. Located inside Mellow Mushroom in the historic Coke Plant, the mural is surrounded by a variety of artworks by many other local artists. (ARTIST: J.D. Wilkes LOCATION: Mellow Mushroom Indoor)
Angels Among Us (Uniform Headquarters)
ARTIST CREDIT: Heather Wilks LOCATION: Uniform Headquarters, 455 South 31st Street
With a mission to "serve those who serve others," Uniform Headquarters outfits the medical professionals in the community, or the "Angels Among Us" as they like to call them. This set of blue angel wings on a gray backdrop has become a popular outdoor photo op among locals.
Kindness Grows Here (Paducah Flower Company)
ARTIST CREDIT: Kijsa Housman and the Class of 2021 LOCATION: Paducah Flower Company, 2975 Lone Oak Road
This bright and cheery mural was created to celebrate the kindness and spirit of residents. Offered as a gift to the community of Paducah and Lone Oak on behalf of the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation, the Class of 2021 and The Paducah Flower Company.
Citizens Gym
ARTIST: Toney Little LOCATION: Citizens Gym, 226 Broadway
Representing pieces of Paducah throughout the mural, this vibrant work on the side of Citizens Gym in downtown Paducah was created using spray paint. Toney Little, artist of many different murals around Paducah, finds inspiration in the steam engine parked by the Wall-to-Wall Murals, the beloved dogwoods in various locations and more. Visit this mural to discover each of the #PaducahCreativeCity easter eggs sprinkled throughout!
Kindness Murals (Four Rivers Behavioral Health)
ARTIST: Paducah community members, led by Kijsa Housman LOCATION: Four Rivers Behavioral Health, 425 Broadway
Located at Four Rivers Behavioral Health, these inspiring and meaningful murals were brought to life by members of the community. Susan Guess of the Guess Anti-Bullying Foundation organized the project to raise awareness for suicide and those who may be battling depression. With help from local artist and owner of MAKE, Kijsa Housman, locals were able to be part of something inspiring in downtown Paducah!
Golden Carrot Natural Foods
ARTIST: Toney Little LOCATION: Golden Carrot Natural Foods, 433 Jefferson St.
This wide landscape mural located on the side of Golden Carrot Natural Foods is hard to miss while driving down Jefferson Street! Stop by the health food store for a herbal supplement or dietary food and snap a photo with the work of Toney Little on your way out. The geometric shapes and primary colors throughout it are sure to bring out your creative side!
Life Is a Journey (The Belle Louise Historic Guest House)
ARTIST: Kijsa Housman LOCATION: The Belle Louise Historic Guest House
This mural is located on The Belle Louise Historic Bed & Breakfast in Paducah's midtown area. Kijsa Housman, artist behind the project, paints a beautifully blended portal surrounded by an inviting wooded area. Emphasizing the importance of the journey, you're sure to be amazed by the artistic work of this piece.
Next time you take a stroll around Paducah, be sure to celebrate the imaginative work of the city's community members. Share your favorites on social media with credit to the artists to show your appreciation for all these artists do to keep our city creative!