Love to Louisville Meets History of the Town - "Historic" Louisville Mural

Reshonda Perry works on the Historic Louisville Mural on the side of the Rogers Law Office on Court Street

Last week, we explored Reshonda Perry's work on the new mural, titled "The Flower Bearer," which is situated on the wall of Becky's Antique's on North Church Avenue. The new mural is dedicated to the late Susan Ard, who spent much of her time volunteering to beautify the city.

The new mural has received lots of accolades from those who knew Ard personally, her family, and from those coming and going in Louisville. Because of its location, most locals have been "watching" the mural going up.

However, another mural is going up on Court Street. It's located on the wall of the Gregg Rogers Law Office, and it is a nod to the history of our city.

Last Wednesday, WLSM joined muralist Reshonda Perry as she put the finishing touches on the Historic Louisville mural. She expected to have the project completed by Thursday, but she is still wrapping up the job - as with the "Flower Bearer" mural, weather has been a factor in completing the "Historic Louisville" mural.

At press time, Perry was still working on painting "the roots" of the mural. In the coming days, if you walk along Court Street, you will notice literal painted roots coming from the tree in the mural - and, as with the gloved hand and gift tag in the "Flower Bearer" mural, there is a reason for the "roots" in the historic mural.

"For me, that is another part of "Historic Louisville," the history of the county and city," noted Amy Hillyer, Director of the Louisville Main Street Association and the Winston/Louisville Chamber of Commerce. The conversation flowed to the fact that many families have a multi-generational history tying them to Winston County and Louisville. Even when younger adults go away to college, many of them will return to live and bring their family up here in Winston County.

Reshonda Perry, Amy Hillyer and Johnny Wooten

Hillyer talked about the planning that went into bringing these murals to fruition. "The Louisville Main Street Association is the driving force behind these murals. We have been working to create vibrant public spaces that are a reflection of our unique and historic community. We want Louisville to be a place where people want to live, work, and play!"

Hillyer further noted that funding to provide these murals came from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds as well as Louisville Tourism monies.

Perryman is a native Mississippian, hailing from Fayette (near Natchez). Perryman noted that she still lives in Mississippi, and she had some experience about beautifying downtown areas - she previously worked in Tourism in Jackson. She has a degree in graphic design, but she has also worked in finance as well as in tourism.

She is excited that she is able to do something that she loves for a living.

Hillyer noted, "We are so thankful and appreciative for the love she has shown Louisville with the two murals, and we look forward to working with her on future projects."

Perryman commented on the friendliness of those who approached her to discuss the murals. She noted many positive comments, as well as her appreciation for those who might have brought by a snack or a cool drink to enjoy while she worked.

The "roots" of Louisville do run deep, and soon - depending once again on weather - the roots of the tree in the mural will be on display as the project is completed.