Date of release: May 12, 2022
Colorful, lively artwork of black-eyed Susans and monarch butterflies is being installed in the windows of the building at 315 Broadway in historic downtown Paducah. This vinyl cling artwork, that can be easily removed and reused, highlights the architecture of this vacant building currently available for purchase and prime for redevelopment.
Paducah Main Street in partnership with the Creative & Cultural Council worked with the property owner and Paducah artist Nikki May on this first building as part of the Broadway Mural Project.
Paducah Main Street Chairman Jeff Canter said, “The Broadway Mural Project incorporates several elements in its mission: beautifying downtown Paducah; planting the seed for new life in vacant, historic buildings; and awakening visitors and residents to Paducah’s art and culture scene. We want these murals to generate conversations and attention with the ultimate goal of filling every vacant building in downtown.
Planning Director Nic Hutchison said, “As a city known for embracing creativity and the arts, we realized that Paducah offers a canvas of opportunity with the downtown windows. At the heart of this project is a desire to bring excitement to our city’s streets and facilitate growth.”
Hutchison said additional murals currently are in the planning stage.
About the artist: Nikki May is an artist, illustrator, surface designer, podcaster, and branding/web designer. After a 10-year career as a creative director with IBM, May moved from Atlanta to Paducah as part of the Artist Relocation Program. May serves on the board of the Yeiser Art Center and was a founding member of Paducah Arts Alliance. Learn more about Nikki May and her art and design work by visiting nikkimay.com.
Top image: Concept drawing from artist Nikki May showing how the artwork could be positioned in the windows.
Bottom image: Photo from May 12, 2022, with the installation of the top section of artwork completed. Artwork installation is expected to be completed next week.
