Attention, Artists: March 14 deadline to submit designs for six-panel mural depicting history of bluegrass music

A new downtown public art exhibit in Owensboro, Kentucky is planned to celebrate the city’s initiative to be recognized as the bluegrass capital of the world. Local artists, along with artists from around the world, are invited to submit original designs to be displayed outside the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Owensboro.

The partnership between the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the City of Owensboro, and OWB Downtown LLC will feature six selected art pieces that celebrate the rich traditions and modern-day diversity of bluegrass music, with each piece contributing to a collective tribute. The artwork will be prominently displayed on the exterior of the building at 214 Frederica Street, directly across from the main entrance of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro.

The six-panel mural will be approximately 73 feet wide x 16 feet tall in total, with each of the six panels approximately 6 feet wide x 10 feet tall. Along with the recognition of their original pieces being on display for years in downtown Owensboro, each artist whose piece is chosen will receive a $1,000 award. The selected designs will be digitally reproduced onto printed panels.

“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 fans and curiosity-seekers alike,” remarked Steve Johnson, the Director of the Bluegrass Music (Capital) Initiative. “It is only fitting that the six-panel mural will be located across from the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World.”

The application period for submissions is open through March 14. Each piece will then be reviewed by a selection committee that includes the partners in the project. The mural will be unveiled in 2025.

All submissions and additional questions may be sent to cyp@owensboro.com or Ashtin Warren (Owensboro Chamber Young Professionals) at 270-926-1860. Additional criteria may be found here.

RETURN to the March 2025 issue of The Cornerstone.