Downtown Danville Public Art

1. Two Ways In by Buck Graham, assisted by Dennis Toadvine. 2018.  This hand-carved tree depicts the natural features of the region as well as serving as an interpretation of the Wilderness Road, the early road that led settlers to Danville. Commissioned by the Arts Commission of Danville-Boyle County.
2. Governor’s Circle. 1981.  A ring of bronze plaques and seasonal flowers celebrates the former governors of Kentucky.  The central “United We Stand” sculpture by George F. Yostel commemorates the drafting of the Kentucky State Constitution in 1792.
3. William “Bunny” Davis Mural by Ryan “ARCY” Christenson. 2018.  This mural features Bunny Davis, a Danville icon, who throughout his life broke racial barriers and achieved great success as a leader in sports, business, and government.  The mural was painted live before an audience during the Soul of Second Street Festival in 2018.  Commissioned by the Heart of Danville.
4. Diversitea Mural by Dee Craig. 2018.  This mural, celebrating diversity (as well as tea) was painted by muralist Dee Craig, of Belfast as part of the Danville Sister Cities Commission artist exchange program with Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
5. Danville Mural by Andee Rudloff.  2018.  Andee Rudloff creates murals that allow the community to participate – from concept to creation.  This mural features colorful renditions of many of the things that make Danville unique.  Commissioned by the Heart of Danville.
6. Karl Benson Park.  2012.  This park, commissioned by the Boyle County Public Library, celebrates Karl Benson, who served as library director from 1978-2013.  It features seating areas, a fountain and several bronze sculptures by artist Gary Lee Price.
7. Art Local Mural by Brandon Long. 2018.  This mural celebrates the local art scene of Danville.  Commissioned by Art Center of the Bluegrass.
8. Color Waves by Tracy Pennington. 2019. This  mosaic mural was commissioned by Art Center of the Bluegrass. The artist collaborated with students from Kentucky School for the Deaf and joined their mini-mosaics into a unified whole.
9. Treble Cycle by Mike Welch.  2006.  While it looks like a functional antique motorcycle, this mixed-media sculpture is made entirely of repurposed materials.  Gifted to Art Center of the Bluegrass by John and Barbara Lockhart.
10. Pathway of Peace Labyrinth. 2002.  Based on the labyrinth in the cathedral in Chartres, France, this labyrinth invites visitors to walk the path as an exercise of meditation and prayer.  Commissioned by the Presbyterian Church of Danville.
11. Ex Astris by Thomas Yeary. 1978.  Ex Astris (Latin for “from the stars”) is a 14’ metal sculpture that greets visitors to Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts.  Commissioned by Jane Morton Norton.
12. Abraham Lincoln sculpture by Ed Hamilton. 2012. Unveiled shortly before the 2012 Vice-Presidential Debate held at Centre College, this bronze sculpture features a young Lincoln reading a book loaned to him by John Todd Stuart, a Centre graduate. The base features the Lincoln quote, “I will study and be ready; then maybe the chance will come.”
13. The Flame by John Somville and Dottie Smith. 1969. This abstract bronze sculpture features the quote, “Where the light is brightest, the shadows are deepest.” –Goethe.  The sculpture was given in tribute to Ray Smith of Dallas, Texas by Dottie Smith.
14. Palace of Memory by Tom Chapin. 2000.  The sculpture fuses new world and old world forms: an Egyptian Scarab beetle and the ancient Native American Serpent Mound.  It celebrates the diversity and depth of human knowledge.  On its underside are inscriptions suggested by dozens of Centre faculty, staff and students, from many different areas of human knowledge.
15. C6H0 graffiti mural. 1921.  Although not technically a work of public art, the C6H0 graffiti on the campus of Centre College is revered as such.  The letters were painted in celebration by Centre students when the Centre Colonels toppled Harvard in a game of football in 1921. The score: Centre 6 -Harvard 0.  The victory has been described as “one of the greatest upsets in sports history.”
16. The Rip sculpture by Garry Bibbs.  This stainless-steel abstract sculpture represents a saw ripping through wood.  It was given to Centre College by Duane Van Horn.

See also:

• Stephen R Powell Memorial Sculpture Garden
• Public Art Map
• Indulge in the Arts