Bringing color to historic Slyvan Heights

ssloandesigns
May 12
4 min read

Despite painting commencing in November of 2024, this project actually started over a year before that when Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association board member, Mary Breen first reached out to Stephen. Her inquiry was about doing a mural in her historic Sylvan Heights neighborhood. Specifically on a train bridge built in1905. The bridge itself was covered in layers of dirt grime and layers of peeling old paint and a bit of an eye sore. It would require some love to make this structure a piece of an art that her community could enjoy. After that initial call I remember Stephen coming in the room to tell me about a mural project seated in the heart of a local neighborhood that he had grown up in during his teenage years. Immediately triggering a soft spot in our heart, we were excited to work alongside Mary on such a special mural project. The first step of the process was applying for funding through the Nashville Arts whose program supports the local arts community in Nashville. Once our application was approved, the design process started and collaboration began with The Slyvan Heights Neighborhood Association to create a mural that would showcase the diversity of the storybook style homes in their neighborhood through the use of bright colors and illustrative themes. It was also important that we pay homage to the Nashville Ballet which is located a block from the mural location. You can find small details that show the neighborhood's thriving pet population with a small wink to the native locals who remember a thriving street cat population who have lived in the area for many years. Inspired by a mix of post cards and children's books this piece was created to bring smiles to the people who pass under the bridge everyday. Our goal was to bring a piece of art to the neighborhood that even the youngest inhabitant could be inspired by. We have a love of color that we wanted to share with this historic neighborhood and we are honored to have been given the opportunity to do that. As a local native artist in Nashville navigating the hurdles and rewards of running a small business it is truly an honor to have been chosen as the artist for this project.

Throughout the entire course of this process there were many individuals who were committed to making sure this mural happened. Volunteers who arrived to assist in power washing the bridge and cleaning up the surrounding area of the bridge. We are so grateful for each of the people who took time out of their to day to assist us. Taking on a project like this involves teams of people and we are so grateful to have been surrounded by such sweet indivuduals.

This mural would not have happened without Mary Breen leading the course. We are infinitely grateful to have been on this journey with her guiding hand. None of this would have been possible without her behind the wheel. We are so thankful for her leadership and kindness. Getting to know her not only professionally but personally was a true joy.

Lastly we just to say thank you to the local Sylvan Heights Community. We are so grateful to have gotten to know so many of you during this process. From the families who stopped to talk to us for a few minutes on their evening walk to all the cars who stopped to shout out "we love it thank you!!" we are so thankful for each of you! It is no exaggeration when we say it is the best part of the process. We also want to say a special thank you to local photographer Kenzie Boyd of Kenzie Leigh Photography who shot all of the photos you will see here on our website. We are so thankful for all of her gorgeous shots and the time we spent with her as well.

The local arts are so important to our communities in Nashville. As creatives and small business owners , Stephen and I discuss our backgrounds and journey in the arts with local Sylvan Heights community member and Professional Commerical Digital Photographer Sheri Oneal on her podcast The Creative Push. In our interview with Sheri, Stephen and I delve more into our own creative processes as muralists and small business owners. You can find it here if you want to listen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQiSATFTSbA

Sheri and I actually happen to go years back as she was one of my photography professors when I was a college student at Nossi College of Arts here in Nashville. It was such a wonderful surprise to find her with camera at the mural wall one day, and equally as special to reconnect with her and talk with her on her podcast about what the process of being a creative and mural artist in Nashville means. As a well sought after professional artist in Nashville herself, it was an honor to not only work with Sheri on her podcast but have her photograph us while we painted as well. Some of her shots are included in the youtube link of the podcast. You can also find more of her work her on instagram @sherioneal. Her podcast The Creative Push is a place where industry creatives can not learn from one another but more about each other.

This entire experience from start to finish has been a true labor of love and we are so excited to have been able to share this mural with not only the local community but everyone who visits the historic Sylvan Heights Neighborhood.

Thank you for following us along on this journey! We are excited to continue sharing a behind the scenes look with you guys.

Click below to see the behind scenes gallary taken by Kenzie Leigh Photography. You can find more of her work on instagram @kenzie.leigh.jpg