Large-scale murals have transformed four of Russell’s railroad overpasses along 14th Street into signature neighborhood gateways.
Artists and teams were selected by a team of Russell residents, and Louisville Metro Government and Louisville Metro Housing Authority staff to create original designs after submitting proposals in response to a Call for Artists issued in 2017. Leading up to the mural painting, the project team engaged the community in the design process.
Meet the Artists!
- Kacy Jackson (The Art of Kacy) and Via Studios is brightening the overpass on Muhammad Ali Boulevard with bold colors and a reminder to “Dream Big”. Harvey Clarence Russell, Sr. the neighborhood’s namesake, as well as the familiar faces of Lucille Leggett and Sam Watkins are prominently featured on the mural.
- Often Seen but Rarely Spoken’s (OSRS) mural on Chestnut Street harkens back to Russell’s past as “Louisville’s Harlem” and features A.D. Porter and Mae Street Kidd. Russell’s future is represented by youth imagining their dream careers.
- Via Studios and OSRS’s colorful mural on Madison Street features iconic imagery representing dignity, community, wisdom and strength.
- Victor Sweatt’s mural design on Magazine Street challenges us to “Make History” and features portraits of Russell trailblazers who continue to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, including Alberta Jones, William Warley, I. Willis Cole, Dr. Grace James, Thomas Blue, Albert Meyzeek and Samuel Plato.
Muhammad Ali Boulevard Overpass Mural Design:
Chestnut Street Overpass Mural Design:
Madison Street Overpass Mural:
