Pikeville, Tennessee
Small Town Charm
Conceptional Design of the Welcome to Pikeville Mural
The 40-foot mural in downtown Pikeville is more than a work of art — it’s a vibrant tribute to the town’s charm, character, and community spirit. Conceived and hand-sketched by local artist Nancy May, the design was thoughtfully crafted to blend seamlessly with its surroundings and reflect the heart of Pikeville.
From the first brushstroke, the mural began captivating passersby with its bold colors and intricate details. As it unfolded day by day, it became a living canvas — sparking curiosity, conversation, and a growing sense of pride among residents.
Nancy May’s composition reflects Pikeville’s unique identity, shaped by its people, history, and landscape. She listened to the voices of the community, incorporating elements that resonate with locals and visitors alike. The result is a visual narrative that celebrates Pikeville’s heritage, warmth, and individuality.
As the mural took shape, it transformed not just the wall, but the energy of the downtown district. It revitalized the space, inspired creativity, and became a shared symbol of unity. This colorful landmark now stands as a lasting reflection of the heart and soul that make Pikeville, Tennessee, truly remarkable.
The Design Team
Bringing Vision to the Wall
To transform the mural from concept to reality, a dedicated Design Team was assembled — a group of artists and visionaries who tackled the complex task of translating the sketch into a large-scale public artwork. Their work went far beyond painting; they carefully considered how the mural would be experienced from every angle, including by those passing in cars, ensuring it would make a lasting impression even in a fleeting glance.
This team played a vital role in harmonizing the talents of multiple artists, weaving together diverse styles, techniques, and perspectives into a unified visual story. From color theory and composition to texture and detail, each member brought a distinct skill set that shaped the mural’s aesthetic and emotional impact.
The team included: Ridinna Bernard, Kimmy Brown, Ruby Knight, Jeania Lansing, Nancy May, Nancy Parks, Sue Reinehr, Shayla Saunders, and Linda Waszak — each contributing their creativity, insight, and care to the final design.
Through collaboration, precision, and shared purpose, the Design Team overcame every challenge and brought the mural to life. Their work stands as a testament to the power of community art — evoking emotion, sparking imagination, and inspiring all who encounter it.
Sketching the Mural
From Projection to Pencil: Mapping the Masterpiece
Once the mural design was approved by Mayor Cagle, the wall was primed and ready — a blank canvas awaiting transformation. The air buzzed with anticipation as the Design Team began the meticulous process of transferring the vision to the wall.
To ensure accuracy at scale, the team enlisted the help of the Projector Crew, Jeannie Decker and Justin Thomas, who worked alongside the artists to project the design onto the surface. The process came with challenges — the image blurred and distorted as it expanded — but through patience, collaboration, and countless adjustments, the projection was refined to the correct size and placement.
Armed with pencils and steady hands, the Design Team began sketching the outlines, carefully capturing the essence of the original concept. Each stroke defined proportions, shapes, and movement — laying the foundation for the vibrant colors and textures to come.
As the sketches took form, the mural began to reveal itself. Passersby watched as rough outlines evolved into recognizable figures and symbols, each one telling a story rooted in Pikeville’s heritage and heart. Even in its early stages, the mural reflected the collective creativity, precision, and dedication of everyone involved.
This phase marked the turning point — where vision met wall, and the mural began its journey from concept to community landmark.
Mural Reflections
A community Landmark Comes to Life
The Pikeville Mural, located downtown beside the Main Street Stage, captured the attention and admiration of locals and visitors throughout its creation. Its progress was documented here through a series of photos that showcased each stage — from early sketches to final brushstrokes.
Throughout the process, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Residents and passersby stopped daily to ask questions, offer encouragement, or simply admire the evolving artwork. The mural became a gathering point, sparking conversations and building excitement across generations.
“This mural is bound to leave a lasting impact on Pikeville, serving as a testament to our small town’s artistic spirit and sense of community,” shared a local webmaster and community member. “It was incredible to witness the genuine curiosity and pride it inspired.”
Now complete, the mural stands as a vibrant legacy — a visual celebration of Pikeville’s history, creativity, and unity. It continues to inspire all who see it, reminding us of the power of art to bring people together and honor the stories that shape our town.
