CYP announces downtown bluegrass art project, seeking original submissions for mural
A new public art project in downtown Owensboro will celebrate the city’s identity as the self-proclaimed Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, featuring a six-panel mural displayed on the exterior of the building at 214 Frederica Street, directly across from the main entrance to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Young Professionals (CYP) announced the initiative in partnership with the Bluegrass Music Capital Initiative, the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum, the City of Owensboro, and OWB Downtown LLC.
Six pieces will be selected for the mural, which will measure approximately 73 feet wide and 16 feet tall. The wall currently displays a mural, but the paint has begun to fade after many years. The initiative aims to bring new life to the wall.
Local and international artists are invited to submit original designs reflecting bluegrass music’s rich heritage and evolving influence. Each artist whose work is chosen will receive a $1,000 award. A portion of the artwork may be reserved for local artists from Daviess County, according to a release.
“This one-of-a-kind project will reflect the international appeal and history of bluegrass music and will serve as a pilgrimage for bluegrass music aficionados and curiosity-seekers alike,” said Steve Johnson, Director of the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative.
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson added, “This incredible mural project is a perfect way to celebrate that legacy bluegrass music is woven into the fabric of our community. I am thrilled to see this partnership come together to further enhance our downtown, providing yet another reason for visitors and residents alike to celebrate the unique culture and heritage that makes Owensboro so special.”
The mural expands on CYP’s “Amped Up Artistry” project, which debuted in 2024 with local artists transforming traffic light electrical boxes along 2nd Street into colorful urban art. Like that initiative, the bluegrass-themed designs will be digitally reproduced onto panels for display.
“We are excited to continue our focus on downtown Owensboro with this unique partnership. Working with the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative is a fantastic opportunity for our group to become more ingrained in the music that made Owensboro the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World,” said CYP Vice-Chair Stephanie Bertram. “We enjoyed working with local artists to create something special last year for our Amped Up Artistry project, and we feel this adjacent project is going to continue our efforts to create quality placemaking in our community.”
The deadline for submissions is March 14. Entries will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of the project’s partners.
The mural is set to be unveiled in 2025 in conjunction with musical events at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.
More information and submission guidelines are available below. All submissions and additional questions can be sent to cyp@owensboro.com or Ashtin Warren at 270-926-1860.
By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times