Covington
Central Business District Tour
TOUR MAP
TOUR GUIDE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
Tour Summary
Covington’s Central Business District has a wealth of world-class public art. This busy and vibrant neighborhood has a lot of creative people doing interesting things. This tour will give you a closer look at all these visual treasures.
Scott Boulevard
Purple Paisley Local Artisan Shop
Location: 715 Scott Blvd.
Part gallery, part store, part art education center, Purple Paisley showcases local artists to customers eager to engage. Full to the brim with beautiful artwork and artistically functional items, Purple Paisley also has space for frequent art classes and artist demonstrations. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Scott Boulevard
Grow with Us Mural
Location: 620 Scott Blvd.
This mural was painted by Boone County Schools art teacher, Julie Harwood. Its wall is visible from an Alice in Wonderland-themed popup park that occupied the grassy lot in 2018.
Scott Boulevard
Library Mosaics
Location: Kenton County Library - Covington Branch on the bottom floor, 502 Scott Blvd.
This mosaic river scene shows a child fishing a lively current filled with colorful fish and wildlife. Local children drew fanciful pictures of fish, which were turned into elements of the mosaic. Other mosaics in the Children’s Department depict scenes of trees and birds in different seasons. The artist is Suzanne Fisher, a Cincinnati artist who brings to life children’s literature and creativity.
Scott Boulevard
Lincoln Statue
Location: 502 Scott Blvd.
Artist Matt Langford created this statue of Abraham Lincoln, which stands next to the public library. Langford depicted Lincoln as a young man with an axe (a symbol of his work) and a book (a symbol of his aspirations).
TOUR GUIDE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
Tour Summary
Covington’s Central Business District has a wealth of world-class public art. This busy and vibrant neighborhood has a lot of creative people doing interesting things. This tour will give you a closer look at all these visual treasures.
Scott Boulevard
Purple Paisley Local Artisan Shop
Location: 715 Scott Blvd.
Part gallery, part store, part art education center, Purple Paisley showcases local artists to customers eager to engage. Full to the brim with beautiful artwork and artistically functional items, Purple Paisley also has space for frequent art classes and artist demonstrations. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Scott Boulevard
Grow with Us Mural
Location: 620 Scott Blvd.
This mural was painted by Boone County Schools art teacher, Julie Harwood. Its wall is visible from an Alice in Wonderland-themed popup park that occupied the grassy lot in 2018.
Scott Boulevard
Library Mosaics
Location: Kenton County Library - Covington Branch on the bottom floor, 502 Scott Blvd.
This mosaic river scene shows a child fishing a lively current filled with colorful fish and wildlife. Local children drew fanciful pictures of fish, which were turned into elements of the mosaic. Other mosaics in the Children’s Department depict scenes of trees and birds in different seasons. The artist is Suzanne Fisher, a Cincinnati artist who brings to life children’s literature and creativity.
Scott Boulevard
Lincoln Statue
Location: 502 Scott Blvd.
Artist Matt Langford created this statue of Abraham Lincoln, which stands next to the public library. Langford depicted Lincoln as a young man with an axe (a symbol of his work) and a book (a symbol of his aspirations).
Scott Boulevard
Love the Cov Building
Location: 27 W. 7th St.
This mural and several other similar ones were created in honor of Covington’s 200th birthday in 2015. The hashtag #LovetheCov remains a popular way to show how you feel about this interesting and quirky city.
Scott Boulevard
Kerry Automotive Murals
Location: 24 E. 5th St. & Scott Blvd
These murals were an ArtWorks project and showcase elements from Kentucky’s natural wildlife and historic beauty. (From left to right) a brachiopod fossil, a Kentucky tulip poplar blossom, a male cardinal, goldenrod blossoms with a honeybee, a spotted bass, a viceroy butterfly and a mastodon skeleton.
Scott Boulevard
Boone Block Living Mural
Location: 406-422 Scott Blvd
The well-known artist group, The London Police, created this piece. Back in 2012, they painted one their famous “lads” (the cute dog figures) on the side of the building to liven up the old liquor store that was there at the time. The London Police have painted numerous lads all over Cincinnati and NKY (two more of them are on this tour). The London police came back to give this one lad some friends, finishing the mural in 2016. This building has been turned into high-end single family attached homes. The man painted in the mural (inside the dog spaceship) is Mike Amann, BLDG’s former artist and designer. Mike convinced The London police to come to Covington in the first place. He passed away in 2013, soon after the mural was begun. This is a beautiful piece filled with inspiration and passion for Covington, and a tribute to a wonderful artist. In 2019, the living wall component was added to the mural, making this one of the first “living murals” in the US.
2nd Street
The Gruff
Location: 129 E. 2nd Street
The Gruff is a locally owned restaurant, store and deli that takes its name from its location at the foot of the Roebling Bridge. The Norwegian folktale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff tells of the goats’ experiences crossing a bridge. They had to pass by the troll that lived under the bridge and ate unwary travelers. The painting of the troll, along with additional artwork inside the restaurant, references this story. If you visit the Gruff, try their incredible chicken salad or their brick oven pizzas.
4th Street
Legacy Financial Mural
Location: 117 E. 4th Street
The building that now houses wealth management firm Legacy Financial Advisors, was built in 1850 as a church. When Legacy’s owners commissioned this mural, they asked artist Christian Dallas to use a style that references stained glass windows that might have been in the original church. According to the firm’s Managing Principal, the design depicts birds as “our clients, finding rest and safety in the shelter of our services.”
5th Street
Galo Street Mural
Location: 15 W. 5th Street
These graffiti people were painted by the artist known as Galo, who resides in Turin, Italy. Galo was one of the first well-known “street artists”. He has included these characters in murals all over the world. He hopes to spark continuous conversation between all kinds of people.
5th Street
Read Ready Mural
Location: 5th & Madison
The owner of this building, IT company C-Forward, has designated this wall as a Community Art Spotlight. The first installation features Read Ready Covington, a city-wide, city-sponsored early learning initiative. Read Ready Covington director Mary Kay Connolly explains, “Not only is the mural beautiful to see, this artwork informs and sends out a call to action, asking everyone to value literacy by reading with their children daily.” Near the mural and throughout the city, you will also see metal signs engaging young readers with letters and words. More information about the signs and their locations can be found here.
TOUR GUIDE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
Tour Summary
Covington’s Central Business District has a wealth of world-class public art. This busy and vibrant neighborhood has a lot of creative people doing interesting things. This tour will give you a closer look at all these visual treasures.
Scott Boulevard
Purple Paisley Local Artisan Shop
Location: 715 Scott Blvd.
Part gallery, part store, part art education center, Purple Paisley showcases local artists to customers eager to engage. Full to the brim with beautiful artwork and artistically functional items, Purple Paisley also has space for frequent art classes and artist demonstrations. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Scott Boulevard
Grow with Us Mural
Location: 620 Scott Blvd.
This mural was painted by Boone County Schools art teacher, Julie Harwood. Its wall is visible from an Alice in Wonderland-themed popup park that occupied the grassy lot in 2018.
Scott Boulevard
Library Mosaics
Location: Kenton County Library - Covington Branch on the bottom floor, 502 Scott Blvd.
This mosaic river scene shows a child fishing a lively current filled with colorful fish and wildlife. Local children drew fanciful pictures of fish, which were turned into elements of the mosaic. Other mosaics in the Children’s Department depict scenes of trees and birds in different seasons. The artist is Suzanne Fisher, a Cincinnati artist who brings to life children’s literature and creativity.
Scott Boulevard
Lincoln Statue
Location: 502 Scott Blvd.
Artist Matt Langford created this statue of Abraham Lincoln, which stands next to the public library. Langford depicted Lincoln as a young man with an axe (a symbol of his work) and a book (a symbol of his aspirations).
Scott Boulevard
Love the Cov Building
Location: 27 W. 7th St.
This mural and several other similar ones were created in honor of Covington’s 200th birthday in 2015. The hashtag #LovetheCov remains a popular way to show how you feel about this interesting and quirky city.
Scott Boulevard
Kerry Automotive Murals
Location: 24 E. 5th St. & Scott Blvd
These murals were an ArtWorks project and showcase elements from Kentucky’s natural wildlife and historic beauty. (From left to right) a brachiopod fossil, a Kentucky tulip poplar blossom, a male cardinal, goldenrod blossoms with a honeybee, a spotted bass, a viceroy butterfly and a mastodon skeleton.
Scott Boulevard
Boone Block Living Mural
Location: 406-422 Scott Blvd
The well-known artist group, The London Police, created this piece, called "Pennies from Heaven." Back in 2012, they painted one their famous “lads” (the cute dog figures) on the side of the building to liven up the old liquor store that was there at the time. The London Police have painted numerous lads all over Cincinnati and NKY (two more of them are on this tour). The London police came back to give this one lad some friends, finishing the mural in 2016.
This building has since been turned into high-end single family attached homes. The man painted in the mural (inside the dog spaceship) is Mike Amann, BLDG’s former artist and designer. Mike convinced The London police to come to Covington in the first place. He passed away in 2013, soon after the mural was begun. This is a beautiful piece filled with inspiration and passion for Covington, and a tribute to a wonderful artist.
In 2019, the living wall component was added to the mural by local company Urban Blooms, making this one of the first “living murals” in the US. The thoughtfully selected mixture of plants help to soften the hard surfaces of the brick building and adjacent parking lot, while adding greenery and beauty to the urban location.
2nd Street
The Gruff
Location: 129 E. 2nd Street
The Gruff is a locally owned restaurant, store and deli that takes its name from its location at the foot of the Roebling Bridge. The Norwegian folktale of the Three Billy Goats Gruff tells of the goats’ experiences crossing a bridge. They had to pass by the troll that lived under the bridge and ate unwary travelers. The painting of the troll, along with additional artwork inside the restaurant, references this story. If you visit the Gruff, try their incredible chicken salad or their brick oven pizzas.
4th Street
Legacy Financial Mural
Location: 117 E. 4th Street
The building that now houses wealth management firm Legacy Financial Advisors, was built in 1850 as a church. When Legacy’s owners commissioned this mural, they asked artist Christian Dallas to use a style that references stained glass windows that might have been in the original church. According to the firm’s Managing Principal, the design depicts birds as “our clients, finding rest and safety in the shelter of our services.”
5th Street
Galo Street Mural
Location: 15 W. 5th Street
These graffiti people were painted by the artist known as Galo, who resides in Turin, Italy. Galo was one of the first well-known “street artists”. He has included these characters in murals all over the world. He hopes to spark continuous conversation between all kinds of people.
5th Street
Read Ready Mural
Location: 5th & Madison
The owner of this building, IT company C-Forward, has designated this wall as a Community Art Spotlight. The first installation features Read Ready Covington, a city-wide, city-sponsored early learning initiative. Read Ready Covington director Mary Kay Connolly explains, “Not only is the mural beautiful to see, this artwork informs and sends out a call to action, asking everyone to value literacy by reading with their children daily.” Near the mural and throughout the city, you will also see metal signs engaging young readers with letters and words. More information about the signs and their locations can be found here.
5th Street
C-Forward Mural
Location: Backside of 5 W. 5th St.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, IT company C-Forward commissioned this mural from BLDG. It incorporates more than 25 references to local landmarks, businesses, teams and people (including the owner’s daughters). If you need help identifying everything, the short video on this webpage is a good resource.
6th Street
Faile Murals
Location: corners of 6th Street and Madison Avenue
BLDG teamed up with the artist group FAILE to create these ‘Around the Corner’ Murals. The artists wanted these murals to connect across the space between them and “have a conversation”.
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FAILE is an anagram of "a life" and is a collaboration between artists Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller.
By combining both the FAILE characters and Kentucky culture, these murals brighten up Covington with another world-class piece of public art.
6th Street
Dinosaur Mural
Location: corners of 6th Street and Madison Avenue
This dinosaur is located on the back of Covington Clay’s building. He is painted on a PVC planter box, which has been faux finished to resemble the brick used below. The planter boxes might be growing lettuce for the salad this dino seems to want.
7th Street
Salute to Mighty Mike Amann
Location: 27 W. 7th St.
This piece of public art from The London Police (TLP) honors Mike Amann, the artist and community organizer who first brought TLP to the area.
Madison Avenue
Xylene Mural
Location: 220 Madison Ave.
This mural is painted by Xylene, a local artist collective, on the north side of the Kenton County Parking Garage. The eyes on the mural look toward the river and were part of the projection mapping light show in the 2019 BLINK festival.
Madison Avenue
Learning Grove Statues
Location: 333 Madison Ave.
These statues emphasize Learning Grove’s mission to understand children and their needs. The figures show a child’s wild imagination and playfulness and are often dressed up for the holidays!
Madison Avenue
C Lad
Location: 521 Madison Ave.
Another fun example of the Lad character, painted by The London Police.
Madison Avenue
Amerasia Mural
Location: 521 Madison Ave.
Painted on the side of Amerasia restaurant, this colorful mural embodies "Kung Food" with tongue-in-cheek references to Asia and Asian cuisine.
Madison Avenue
Mosaic benches
Location: Madison & 7th
Over 200 community residents, under the guidance of artists, created these benches. They are mosaic pictures of all types of Kentucky history and provide colorful seating for this busy square.
Madison Avenue
Hotel Covington Barrels & Wood Art
Location: Inside of Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave.
These 22 vintage oak barrels represent Kentucky’s most famous export: bourbon. Hung in front of these barrels is an elegantly carved wood piece. This eye-catching artwork ties together the rustic/glam feel of Hotel Covington. The piece reads, “If these United States are to be considered a body then Ohio would be its Heart and Kentucky its Soul.” This is the perfect tribute to Northern Kentucky culture and showcases the connection between Kentucky and Ohio.
Madison Avenue
Hotel Covington Walk Up Window Mural
Location: North side of Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave.
The distinguished gentleman with the handlebar mustache on the Coppin’s Restaurant Walk Up Window sign is a reference to early 1900’s style, which is when Coppin’s Department Store operated in this building.
Madison Avenue
Northern Kentucky Panorama Mural
Location: 717 Madison Ave
This ArtWorks mural pays tribute to Northern Kentucky’s diverse people and places. The project manager for the mural was Kelley Hensing. It features the Roebling Bridge, RiverCenter Towers and the Ascent, among other structures.
Madison Avenue
i.imagine Tile Installation
Location: 830 Madison Ave
From the 2018 FotoFocus description: "For the first time in their lives, 20 Holmes Middle School students held cameras in their hands. The team at i.imagine photography worked with students throughout the 2017—2018 school year to teach the art of photography, the fundamentals of exposure, and how to apply those concepts inspired by the work of photographers featured in the FotoFocus Biennial 2018. Through photography walks, sharing family photos, and field trips, students evolved as artists with new perspectives on the world around them. Program founder Shannon Eggleston and teaching assistant Claire Brose empowered students to work with the joys and struggles of being a teenager in today’s world and to connect emotionally, bringing deeper purpose and meaning to each photograph. Holmes Middle School students and their experiences are celebrated uniquely, as each young photographer’s work is printed on a tile and composed into a permanent art installation in Covington, Kentucky, as a symbol of the beauty represented in their neighborhood and its people."
Pike Street
The Frock
Location: 6 West Pike
The stained glass in the set back entrance of this space is original to the building. It was once a dress shop and has been recently sold for a new enterprise.
Pike Street
Astro Lad
Location: 8 W. Pike St.
The art collective known as The London Police (TLP) were invited to Covington in 2010, when they debuted their cartoon-like dog characters, called Lads. This is one of them.
Pike Street
Covington Clay
Location: 16 West Pike
The tiles on the wall by Covington Clay’s door were created as part of a 2007 community outreach project. Each participant was given two tiles to decorate with something related to the theme “First Amendment”. After the tiles were glazed and fired, the owner of Covington Clay got first pick for inclusion on this wall. The clever quotes and images are fun to see. The foyer floor inside the building is made up of 3,000 tiles, created with surplus clay that was headed for a landfill. Covington Clay offers beginner and advance pottery classes in their studio.
Pike Street
Una Merkel Mural
Location: In Arcade next to 26 W. Pike St.
To celebrate the film career of Covington native Una Merkel, this mural was designed by Austin Dunbar and painted by Shaylen Broughton. Una is depicted in black and white to reference her roles in her 1930’s films. Una won a Tony Award for Supporting Actress in The Ponder Heart and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Pike Street
BLDG
Location: 30 W. Pike St
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In their own words, BLDG is a group of “creative Kentuckians who contemplate what’s possible in the world of branding, design and curation. BLDG is an experience: our Kentucky locale, connection with the urban contemporary art world, and branding prowess work together to create inspirational, visionary and uncommon design solutions for clients. Transformation is inevitable, ordinary is unacceptable. Let’s create.” BLDG’s first floor gallery space has rotating shows.
Pike Street
Grainwell Market
Location: 33 W. Pike St
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Grainwell is a retail store that creates stunning custom wood-centric décor. They make things out of barn wood, including maps, personalized signs, wall décor, ornaments and other cool creations. Stop in to see their beautiful work!
Pike Street
Ralph V. Haile Mural
Location: Above Point Perk Coffee, 43 W. Pike St.
Ralph Haile, the subject of this mural, was an important benefactor in Northern Kentucky. He was a banker with a deep passion for developing and enhancing Covington and nearby cities. In the 1970’s his CURE (Covington Urban Redevelopment Effort) initiative helped to begin the riverfront development and create MainStrasse Village. In the mural, he is wearing a jacket patterned with a map of the area and a background of the same, representing how (as the artist Christian Dallas put it) “Ralph wore his heart on his sleeve and his passion for this area.” Dallas selected bright, bold colors for the mural to reflect Ralph’s personality. Dallas explains the bow tie, which “had to be included because it was Ralph’s signature fashion item. Everyone who knew him always remembers his bow tie first.” This mural was included in the projection mapping for BLINK in 2019.
Pike Street.
Duveneck Statue
Location: W. 7th & Pike St.
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Frank Duveneck was a painter and sculptor from Covington. Several of his works are in the Cincinnati Art Museum. This bronze statue depicts him holding a picture of his wife. Behind him to the south is the Duveneck Square apartment complex, which was completed in 2018. It has added more than 100 residential units to the neighborhood, as well as commercial space and more parking.
Pike Street
Pike Street Art Wall
Location: 216 W. Pike St.
This wall is a creative solution to an empty lot in downtown Covington. It was designed and built by local artist Chris Meyer and funded with a Creative Community grant from the Center for Great Neighborhoods. It is an architectural facade compatible with those in the neighborhood that also serves as a curated gallery space, showcasing the work of local artists.
Pike Street
Sundial
Location: 8th & Pike St.
Artist David Rice created this interactive sundial with a grant from the Center for Great Neighborhoods. On a sunny day, follow the instructions and let your body cast the time-telling shadow.
Pike Street
Dale Rogers Sculpture
Location: 8th St. & Pike St.
This bold sculpture is a nice touch of modern art in this historic neighborhood.
Pike Street
Spaceman Mural
Location: 264 W. Pike St.
This space explorer is the first phase of a larger mural that speaks to community connections. It was painted by GLOW Gallery owner Collin Rowland and another artist.
