A Mural Trail Project launched last week in Jackson County, Kentucky after several months of planning, organizing, and building collaborative relationships with county officials, schools, and the community. Under the leadership of volunteers from the Jackson County Creative Community, the trail of nine murals designed and painted by children kindergarten through high school create an artistic reflection of what this community means to those living here, particularly the young people.
Many students submitted mural designs and eight, one from each school in the county plus the home-schooling group, were selected to be placed throughout the county in locations either directly related to where the young artist attends school or where the location holds meaning and importance to the artist.
Alyssa Speaks, a homeschool student, says her design reflects the importance of Flat Lick Falls to her family as it was the first place they visited when they moved to Jackson County from Florida. Her design includes and is located at Flat Lick Falls. One mural was designed by Gracie Marks, a young adult in the community.
These murals reflect the incredible talent and creativity Jackson County students and residents have to offer the continuing renewal and economic development of this region in Eastern Kentucky. The murals are easily visible from the road as people travel throughout the County and will eventually include a QR code that tells the story of each design and artist. A map of the trail to help lead visitors and community members throughout the various communities in the county is in the works.
The Jackson County Creative Community formed in December of 2022 and is part of a regional Community Accelerator Program offered by What’s Next EKY?! and supported by the Mountain Association and the Kentucky Small Business Development Centers. The Community Accelerator Program is funded by The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The Creative Community meets on the 4th Monday of each month at the Jackson County Extension Conference Center at 6pm. New projects are in the works and new volunteers are welcome!
Mural Designers:
Mariah Mills, Jackson County Middle School
Alyssa Speaks, Homeschool Group
Emory Barrett, Tyner Elementary School
Joshua Wilson, Annville Christian Academy
Jason Pennington, Friendship Christian School
Hallie Hensley, McKee Elementary School
Sylvia Neufield, Jackson County High School
Carmon Parsons, Sand Gap Elementary School
Gracie Marks, Open Entry