Leadership Ashland Class of 2026 Dedicates Downtown Community Mural
ASHLAND, Ohio — A colorful nighttime scene, fireworks, a three-dimensional balloon and five hidden mice are among the features of a new downtown Ashland mural dedicated Tuesday, October 27.
Members of the Leadership Ashland Class of 2026 joined city officials, sponsors and community supporters at 232 Union Street for a ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the project.
The class raised funds and worked with community partners to create a landmark for residents and visitors to enjoy, photograph and share.
From an Idea to a Community Landmark
Leadership Ashland class representative Matt Eshleman said the project began with an idea inspired by Explore Ashland: create something that would give visitors a reason to stop, take a picture and share Ashland’s story.
Eshleman thanked his classmates for trusting him to help lead the project alongside Alyssa and Haley. He said bringing the mural to life required the class to adapt as the project developed.
“As a class, we knew we wanted to create something meaningful for Ashland County,” Eshleman said. “But the path to get there changed many times.”
The design, location and artist all changed during the process, he said.
“Leadership is about having a clear purpose and being willing to adapt as you move along,” Eshleman said.
The class contributed ideas, the city offered guidance, and the building owners shared their perspectives. Those ideas were presented to artist Troy Freeman, who added his creativity and expertise.
Eshleman said one of the most difficult parts of the project was balancing the many ideas. He wanted everyone to feel heard and see their contributions in the finished work, even though not every suggestion could be included.
“Leadership requires balance,” he said. “It requires listening to many voices and remaining committed to the shared outcome.”
Eshleman said the goal was to create something that would serve the community and bring people together.
“This mural now belongs to Ashland,” he said. “It represents not only what’s been created, but what can be created when people choose to work together, trust one another, and invest in a shared vision.”
A Unique Nighttime Scene
Mayor Matt Miller thanked the class for working with the city on the design and said the mural has several features that make it unique.
Miller said Freeman has created approximately 40 to 50 murals for communities, cities and counties, along with hundreds of other projects for private businesses. According to Miller, Freeman considers the Ashland mural one of the works he is most proud of.
The mayor said Freeman told him the Ashland mural is the only nighttime scene among the community murals he has created. The setting allowed the artist to use richer colors throughout the design.
Freeman also included five mice in the artwork, a feature he has used in other murals.
A three-dimensional balloon extends from the mural, creating another feature for visitors to see. Miller said the balloon was Freeman’s idea and that the artist worked with Morris Design Studio to create it.
The mayor said the balloon depicts the babies of Jeffrey and Jenna Steiner.
A Place to Gather
The mural is part of a larger public gathering space on Union Street. The city and the Ashland County Community Foundation partnered to add planters, boxwoods and benches.
Miller thanked Willodell Nursery for providing a good deal on the plants. The boxwoods are expected to grow into a level hedge. They were left untrimmed before the ceremony to give them a season to grow, he said.
A flagpole at the site has also been restored. Miller said plans call for electricity to light the flagpole and for string lights to extend from the corner of the building to nearby poles.
The lights will reflect those shown in the mural, helping bring the design into the surrounding space after dark, he said.
“This is another example of how a public-private partnership can add beauty to our community,” Miller said.
The mayor thanked city staff, council members, the community foundation and others who helped complete the project.
Miller also addressed concerns about parking, noting that a city-owned lot is located behind the building. He said the city hopes to repave and restripe the lot during the next paving season.
Explore Ashland Thanks the Class
Kaylee Billinghurst, speaking on behalf of Explore Ashland, thanked the Leadership Ashland class for taking an idea shared during a discussion and turning it into a lasting addition to the community.
“Little did I know when we sat around those tables and shared ideas that you would take an idea of mine, Explore Ashland’s, and create something that will leave a lasting mark on our community,” she said.
“Your efforts to bring this project to life have not gone unnoticed. You have left the city with a little piece of you, something beautiful for everyone to see, enjoy, and admire for years to come.”
Rachel Schaefer on behalf of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted also presented the class with a commendation recognizing its dedication, creativity and commitment to community service. The commendation described the mural as a celebration of Ashland’s character and hometown pride.
The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated the class on seeing the project through to completion, calling the mural a legacy for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Sponsors and Supporters
Eshleman thanked the sponsors and partners who helped make the project possible, including Mechanics Bank, the masterpiece sponsor.
He also thanked Mayor Miller and the city for their partnership, along with the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce for its investment in Leadership Ashland and the development of future community leaders.
The project’s sponsor recognition also includes Armstrong, Bendon, Ashland Monument, Directions Credit Union, Explore Ashland, Park National Bank, RNI, Ann and Matt Cole, James and Pamela Gribben, Main Street Bank, Mt. Vernon Estate Event Center, Jeffrey and Jenna Steiner, Ball Bounce and Sport, and Ashland Balloon Rides.
