The Public Art of Cynthiana
Welcome to Our Mural Walk
Cynthiana is a town that wears its heart- and its art- on its walls. Scattered throughout our historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll find a vibrant collection of murals that tell the story of who we are: creative, proud, whimsical, and rooted in history.
From larger-than-life wings and hidden symbols to tributes to bourbon, basketball, and The Walking Dead, each mural is a snapshot of Cynthiana’s spirit. Painted by a mix of local talents and internationally known artists, these works transform everyday spaces into places of wonder, reflection, and joy.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we invite you to take a stroll, snap all the photos (be sure to tag #CynthianaTourism & #CynthianaMurals in your photos!), and see the stories woven into our walls. Grab our Public Art brochure at the Cynthiana-Harrison County Tourism Office or City Hall (141 E. Pike St.) or simply follow your curiosity. There’s art around every corner- come find your favorite!
105 N. Main St.
Tea Party Mural | Wylie Caudill
Step inside The Main Cup and discover a whimsical world where art and riddles meet. Painted by Cynthiana native and Lexington artist Wylie Caudill for their opening in 2018, “Tea Party” invites visitors into a scene bursting with color, character, and charm. This mural is more than meets the eye- hidden within are 12 secret symbols waiting to be found. Can you spot them all?
104 N. Main St.
Library Murals | Wylie Caudill
Wander through the Cynthiana-Harrison County Public Library and you’ll discover a delightful collection of murals that spark the imagination. In 2019, Wylie Caudill painted 10 small murals throughout the building, followed by the enchanting “Book Wings” mural in 2022. From castles and hobbit doors to origami swans and storybook scenes, each piece invites visitors to get lost in the magic of reading and creativity.
102 S. Main St.
Biancke's Mural | Wylie Caudill
This vibrant mural by Wylie Caudill celebrates one of Cynthiana’s most beloved landmarks- Biancke’s Restaurant, serving home-cooked comfort food since 1894. Painted in October 2020, the artwork showcases some of the mouthwatering dishes you’ll find at both Biancke’s and The Station at Biancke’s. It’s a colorful tribute to local flavor and a must-see (and must-eat!) stop on your mural walk.
101 S. Main St.
Maiden City Mural | Sara Woods
Unveiled in April 2025, the Maiden City Mural by Lexington artist Sara Woods is a blooming tribute to Cynthiana’s namesakes- Cynthiana and Anna. Surrounded by graceful illustrations of the four seasons, each corner of the mural highlights native Kentucky florals representing Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. This mural blends beauty, history, and local pride into one elegant, ever-blooming scene.
128 S. Main St.
Joe B. Hall Mural | Sergio Odeith
Painted entirely with spray paint in just four days, this striking mural by internationally renowned artist Sergio Odeith honors Cynthiana native and legendary Kentucky Wildcats coach, Joe B. Hall. Completed in June 2017, the mural is based on a real photograph of Hall from the 1970s, capturing him in action during his iconic coaching years. The unveiling drew a crowd of fans- and even former players and Coach Hall himself- making it a true celebration of local pride and Kentucky basketball history.
109 S. Walnut St.
Authentic Mural | Wylie Caudill
Painted in October 2020, this mural by Wylie Caudill celebrates Harrison County’s own champion- Authentic, the 2020 Kentucky Derby winner. Born at Hurricane Place, a local farm just outside Cynthiana, Authentic brought national attention to the region. The mural captures the spirit and speed of this remarkable racehorse, honoring the deep roots of Kentucky’s equine heritage.
202 E. Pike St.
Raining Sweets | Wylie Caudill
Painted in 2021 by Wylie Caudill, “Raining Sweets” is a whimsical mural that turns a rainy day into a sugar-sprinkled delight. Located on an outside wall of The Sweet Boutique, this colorful scene features candy and confections falling from the sky- perfectly posed for a photo under the painted umbrella. It’s a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth and a camera!
201 E. Pike St.
Paint the Town Mural | Wylie Caudill & Students
This vibrant mural is the result of the first annual Boyd’s Station Gallery Paint the Town: Mural Camp, held in July 2022. Over the course of a week, nearly 45 rising 3rd through 8th graders from Harrison County worked alongside muralist- and hometown talent- Wylie Caudill to bring their artistic visions to life. From initial sketches to mini murals to the final 8’ x 16’ piece, every student had a hand in creating this colorful celebration of what makes Cynthiana and Harrison County special. Installed on the side of the Next Chapter Bookstore, the mural is a joyful display of community pride, creativity, and collaboration.
203 E. Pike St.
Boyd Station Mural | Boyd Station Artists
What began as a simple idea- to bring a splash of color to a quiet courtyard- quickly blossomed into a vibrant, collaborative mural created by members of the local arts guild. With no formal plan, artists gathered to paint joyful, overlapping flowers, each contributing their own unique touch. Once the mural was complete and installed in April 2025, the finishing detail was added: the name of the guild and its flagship project, hand-painted on the wrought iron fence in a style that echoes the timeless charm of downtown Cynthiana.
133 E. Pike St.
Rohs Opera House Murals | Wylie Caudill
In September 2019, Wylie Caudill unveiled a series of restored historic murals inside the Rohs Opera House atrium, featuring beloved Cynthiana landmarks like the old covered bridge, courthouse, and log cabin. These images had once adorned the walls decades ago but were buried under layers of paint until Caudill brought them back to life. In March 2020, he returned to add ornate murals throughout the theater’s interior- including murals on the proscenium, upper seating area, and side walls. Look closely- hidden letters are scattered across the wall designs. Unscramble them all to reveal a secret message woven into the walls themselves!
133 E. Pike St.
Walking Dead Mural | Sergio Odeith
Cynthiana is the birthplace of The Walking Dead- and home to the world’s largest mural dedicated to it. Commissioned in 2016 and completed in just five days using only spray paint, international muralist Sergio Odeith brought iconic characters Rick Grimes, Carl Grimes, Michonne, and Daryl Dixon to larger-than-life scale. The mural honors local legends Tony Moore, original comic artist, and Robert Kirkman, series creator- both born and raised in Cynthiana. Fittingly, in the very first issue of the comic, Rick Grimes wakes up in Harrison Memorial Hospital before beginning his journey. This mural is more than a tribute- it’s where the story began.
141 E. Pike St.
Hemp Mural | Graham Allen
Completed in August 2019 by artists Graham Allen and Geoff Murphy of SquarePegs Studio and Design, this mural celebrates the growing hemp industry and its wide range of eco-friendly applications. From textiles and paper to sustainable products, the mural raises awareness of hemp’s potential while adding a bold splash of color to downtown Cynthiana. Located just steps away from the iconic Walking Dead mural, this piece reminds us of Kentucky’s agricultural heritage and the future-forward possibilities of hemp.
218 S. Walnut St.
Distillery Mural | Jerielle Hanlon
Set against a bold yellow backdrop, the Cynthiana Distillery Mural pays tribute to the city’s spirited past. Once home to over thirty distilleries and even more saloons before Prohibition, Cynthiana was a true whiskey town. Artist Jerielle Hanlon painted this mural entirely by hand using just three main colors to recreate four of our most iconic locally made whiskeys- Old Lewis Hunter, A. Keller, Vanhooks, and Poindexter. Each bottle is a faithful replica of its original label, painted with remarkable precision. Completed over two weeks, this mural is both a window into Cynthiana’s heritage and a charming spot for photos.
133 E. Pike St.
Rod Run Mural | Katelyn Chanslor
Created to celebrate Cynthiana’s beloved annual Rod Run festival, this mural captures the spirit of the event and community pride. Painted by local artist and Boyd’s Station Guild member Katelyn Chanslor, the mural honors the energy that the Rod Run brings to downtown each year. It’s a vibrant tribute to vintage style and small-town tradition.
133 E. Pike St.
Night Flight | Wylie Caudill
Painted in June 2018 by Wylie Caudill, Night Flight features a striking pair of dark wings that stretch across the historic brick wall of the Rohs Opera House. Mysterious and bold, the mural invites passersby to step into the scene- whether for reflection or the perfect photo. This dramatic piece adds a moody, magical presence to downtown Cynthiana, offering a moment of transformation for anyone who stands between the wings.
133 E. Pike St.
Space Wings | Wylie Caudill
Tucked away down Clarey Alley, Space Wings by Wylie Caudill offers a celestial twist on the classic wing mural. Painted in 2018 on the back of VanHook’s Hardware, this dreamy design invites visitors to step into the scene- literally. Stand between the cosmic wings and become part of the artwork in your own out-of-this-world photo. As you explore the alley, be sure to look around—this hidden gem is home to multiple murals waiting to be discovered.
208 S. Main St.
Flower Depot Mural | Gonzalez
Bursting with color and charm, the mural on the side of The Flower Depot features oversized florals that are as cheerful as they are photo-worthy. Whether you’re strolling through downtown or stopping in for fresh blooms, this vibrant mural offers the perfect backdrop for a picture—and a moment to stop and smell the roses.
Burden Main Street Park
Cynthiana Mural | Wylie Caudill
Originally painted in 2019 and reimagined in December 2024, this bold mural by Wylie Caudill welcomes visitors to the heart of downtown Cynthiana. Located in Burden Main Street Park, the updated design breathes new life into the original piece while continuing to celebrate the town’s identity with colorful, eye-catching flair. It’s a favorite backdrop for photos and a proud landmark honoring Cynthiana’s creative spirit.
214 S. Main St.
Cat-Fox Mural | Wylie Caudill
Painted in November 2019, this whimsical mural on the front of Cynthiana Pet Wellness has sparked curiosity and conversation since day one. Is it a cat? A fox? A dog? No one knows for sure- but the community has affectionately dubbed it “Cat-Fox,” and the name has stuck. Mysterious, playful, and undeniably charming, this mural is a local favorite and a must-see stop on your mural walk.
Courthouse Square, Public Restroom
Courthouse Square Mural | Wylie Caudill
Painted in 2021 by Wylie Caudill, this bold and welcoming mural greets visitors with vivid blues and oranges that radiate local pride. Featuring an outline of Kentucky, a striking image of the historic Cynthiana-Harrison County Courthouse, and a warm message welcoming all to “Cynthiana- The Maiden City,” the mural captures the spirit of the community and its deep Kentucky roots. It’s a perfect spot to pause, snap a photo, and feel right at home.
202 W. Pike St.
Tow-Mater Mural |
Everyone’s favorite rusty but trusty tow truck is right at home in Cynthiana! Painted on the side of Dailey’s Body Shop, this cheerful mural of Tow Mater from Disney’s Cars brings smiles to visitors and passersby alike. With his signature grin and wide eyes, Mater is ready to welcome you with a little small-town charm and a whole lot of personality.
329 S. Church St.
Dandelion Wish Mural | Nell Anne Gossett
Painted by Nell Anne Gossett and the creative team at The Prizing House, Dandelion Wish captures the magic of a fleeting moment. A towering dandelion stretches across the wall, its delicate seeds drifting on the breeze- or perhaps, from someone making a wish. This dreamy mural offers a perfect photo opportunity and invites visitors to step in, make a wish of their own, and become part of the artwork.
FIND THESE HIDDEN MINIS!
Fairy Door Mini Murals | Wylie Caudill
Tucked throughout downtown are 13 whimsical fairy doors painted by artist Wylie Caudill in 2017- tiny portals to imagination and wonder. Located high and low, they house our local fairies that come out at night. Keep your eyes open as you explore- you never know where the next one might lead!
Reverend Ross Park, Public Restrooms
Flower Garden Mural | Katelyn Chanslor
Adding a joyful burst of color to one of Cynthiana’s most scenic spots, this whimsical flower garden mural brightens the side of the public restrooms at Reverend Ross Park. Painted by local artist and Boyd’s Station Guild member Katelyn Chanslor, the mural features vibrant blooms that complement the natural beauty of the Licking River. It’s a delightful surprise that adds even more charm to an already fantastic outdoor experience.
Keep Exploring
The murals of Cynthiana are more than just beautiful backdrops- they’re expressions of community pride, creative spirit, and the stories that shape us. As new murals continue to bloom across town, we invite you to return often and see what’s new. Be sure to tag your photos with # CynthianaTourism and #CynthianaMurals to share your journey and inspire others to explore our art-filled streets.
We’re so glad you’re here- now go make some memories (and maybe a wish or two).