Murals bring new life along the Licking River

The city of Covington has designated blank walls along the Licking River Greenway and Trails network as canvases for artists of all types to add their own creative stamps among the series of murals created by ArtWorks.

The city and ArtWorks have partnered for the past 18 months on a series of 17 murals along the Licking River as part of the Licking River Greenway and Trails network in Covington. The murals were designed by local artists and represent the energy of the area through interpretations of its recreational resources, nature, history and people.

Phase one of the project was completed in September 2012. The final nine murals were completed last summer. Since completion, one of the mural structures has been repeatedly tagged. 

“Creative individuals are inspired in all types of ways and express their art in manners that aren’t always in line with the standard submittal processes we developed for this project,” says Kristine Frech, manager of The Licking River Greenway and Trails Project for Vision 2015, a shared public plan that serves as a catalyst for growth in Northern Kentucky

“We could have painted over the unsolicited artwork and continued to keep that side of the mural blank, but instead we want to embrace community members who want their art to be seen. So, we redesigned the blank walls to be used for street art.”  

The wall is now open to community members to draw, write and craft what “Art is …” to them.

“Our first wall has already been given life! Not only did someone come and add art, they added a ‘Thank you Covington’ message,” Frech says.

Before Vision 2015 actively engaged urban artists, the blank sides of the mural structures were being tagged.  So far, providing a wall as a canvas has produced great results.

“If you challenge individuals to leave something meaningful, they will rise to the challenge and leave something behind that adds vibrancy to the community,” Frech says.

Vision 2015 is a local nonprofit organization implementing a 10-year strategic plan for Northern Kentucky.  Vision 2015 sought input from nearly 2,500 people throughout the region to identify six goals Northern Kentucky must meet in order to enjoy economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all residents. 

Three trail day events have been scheduled for 2014: May 3, June 21 and November 8. Events details and volunteer opportunities will be available on the Licking River Greenway and Trails website.

Matthew Woolley