Love to Louisville - New Murals Honor Ard and History of Louisville

Photo Courtesy of Reshonda Perryman

Neither rain nor heat could keep muralist Reshonda Perryman from working on the majestic new murals in Downtown Louisville.

In early spring, Perryman began painting the new mural on the side of the building that houses Becky's Antiques on North Church Street. Describing the mural as one with "heart and home," Perryman painted "The Flower Bearer," a painting to honor the spirit of giving back evident in the life of the late Susan Ard. "Susan poured herself into her town," Perryman noted. One of Ard's project included flowers around the city. She planted flowers, maintained them, and Ard even painted the "Step into the Good Life" mural. Ard also refreshed the mural from time to time.

The Louisville Main Street Association and the Winston/Louisville Chamber of Commerce called on Perryman to not only refresh the wall outside Becky's but to also craft a picture that would honor Ard for her devotion and volunteerism in the city of Louisville.

Perryman says she was honored to take on the task.

Originally, Perryman was asked to paint blue cornflowers, which is the symbol for ALS (for those who don't know, Ard was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). Once Perryman began the project, she learned about Ard's "warmth, creativity, and deep love for her town." Perryman worked closely with the Main Street Association and Chamber officials to "expand the tribute," which involved creating a "bouquet with the blue cornflowers at its heart, surrounded by a mix of other vibrant blooms and colors (Susan) adored."

If onlookers notice, the bouquet is held by a gloved hand with a tag reading "To Louisville, with love - Susan." This image symbolizes Ard's hand - outfitted in a gardening glove - handing off the colorful bouquet to the town she loved so much.

It's quite a fitting memorial for a citizen who gave so much of her personal time to beautifying and improving her town.

Perryman has spent a total of 11 days completing the mural - all while fighting unseasonably wet weather. She has now turned her attention to a wall on Court Street, outside the office of Gregg Rogers.

Perryman is a native of Fayette, MS (near Natchez). She noted the friendly faces and donations of meals, drinks, and kind words spoken as she worked on the Ard memorial mural.

Perhaps this is the true legacy of Susan Ard - friendly folks who are always willing to help or otherwise go the extra mile. It's the spirit of Louisville and the spirit of Winston County - friendly folks who are always willing to give and help others. What a jewel for our town, and what a commendation of our citizens.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this mural story and photos from the Rogers' wall in the coming days!