Ashland’s New Downtown Mural Nears Finish, Bringing Hometown Pride To Third And Union
ASHLAND — A new splash of color, creativity and hometown pride is taking shape in downtown Ashland, where nationally renowned mural artist Troy Freeman is putting the finishing touches on a new community mural at the intersection of Third and Union streets.
The project, a partnership between the City of Ashland and the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Ashland Class of 2026, is designed to become one of the city’s newest photo stops and a bold visual celebration of “Ohio’s Best Hometown.”
“Troy is making great progress,” Mayor Matt Miller said during an interview with ACP News. “He has been up working all late into the night this week and even in the early morning hours to bring the downtown scene to life.”
Freeman, who paints murals across the country, said the Ashland mural focuses on community pride while also creating a place where families, visitors and residents can stop for photos.
“We’ve got the lettering, the hot air balloons, the old theater, and it’s kind of like a night streetscape,” Freeman said. “And then the American flag. There’ll be some street lights from downtown put in here as well. The arch in the middle. It’s all Ashland.”
The mural is painted mainly with spray paint, giving Freeman the ability to create glowing effects and smooth fades across the wall. He said the Ashland project is especially unique because it is his first night-scene mural for a community.
Miller said that nighttime theme was intentional.
“We just thought that this would be a way for Ashland to be unique,” Miller said. “Plus, let’s face it, our downtown looks fabulous at nighttime.”
The design will also go beyond the wall itself. Freeman said a large balloon element will be added above the building, with Morris Sign Studio helping manufacture and install the three-dimensional piece. Miller said the city also hopes to add real Edison-style lights extending out from the mural, along with flower pots, benches, a hedge and a small modern green space in front of the artwork.
The mayor said the goal is to make the site welcoming and photo-friendly while keeping downtown parking in mind. Although four parking spaces near the mural may be removed to create the green space, Miller said the city plans to add about 20 new parking spaces nearby where an old structure was recently removed.
The mural also comes at a fitting time for Ashland, with July 4th celebrations and America’s 250th birthday approaching. Miller said the flags included in the artwork make the mural especially fitting for the patriotic season.
Freeman, who operates Free Sky Studios and posts work on social media, said his mural career has taken him across the country. He has painted projects in states including California, Florida, Texas, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa and Illinois. One of his more unusual projects included transforming a silo into a giant ear of corn.
For Ashland, Freeman said the mural is about capturing the heart of the community.
“These kind of murals, community pride is the main focus,” Freeman said.
Miller said once the final mural elements are installed, a dedication ceremony will be planned with the Leadership Ashland Class of 2026 and those who helped bring the project to life.
“This building will soon be one of the most popular stops in our downtown,” Miller said in a June 10 Facebook post. “I can’t wait to see his finished masterpiece.”
