Four #PaintWilCo artists have come together to show off what the Volunteer State really is about. With a mural honoring our beautiful state for Tennessee’s 225th birthday celebration! The mural was originally displayed at the 2021 Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair, but since has been relocated to its permanent home at The Mill in Lebanon. The mural is open to viewing by the public during The Mill’s business hours, Monday-Friday 9-5pm. Be sure to stop by to see how many hidden icons you can find and get your picture with #PaintWilCo’s newest mural!

I am a Nashville Native and local artist and art teacher. I am 25 years old and have been drawing and painting and just loving art since I was too young to remember. I teach elementary art as well as run a small side business art studio. I make pottery as well as paintings on commission and murals when the opportunity arises. When I am not making art I love to hang out with my husband, Jonah, our cats and eat lots of good food. I love to travel and soak up as much beauty as I can so that I can put that beauty back out into the world in the form of art. 

How would you describe your artistic styling?   “My artistic style is very colorful and organic. I love soft shapes, reflections of nature, and abstractions of color. I love flowing shapes, bold colors, and clear images of joy and nature.”

What is your favorite part of the TN 225 project?   “I love the TN225th project because I love TN. I am Nashville corn and raised and I love our state. The diversity, the TN culture is so vibrant, the music, the history. I am very proud to be a Tennesseean. Tennessee is full of artists and I feel that I belong here. I love any chance to show my TN pride through my art.”

Charlie Daniels Park Caboose Mural (1075 Charlie Daniels Pkwy, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122)

My name is Karlie Cunha, and I am the owner of Wild Colors Creative Design Studio. I just opened Wild Colors this past August, so we are celebrating our big one-year anniversary! Owning my own art studio has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. Never did I think it would happen so soon, but here we are! I love to explore the art of painting and mixed media, and I am constantly on the search for new materials to use. I am a lover of flowers, coffee, and funky earrings!  My formal art education was acquired from Cumberland University in 2018. After graduating from Cumberland with a  bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, I dared to dive into the world of business by obtaining my MBA just two years later. I developed a heart for teaching while working at Whiz Kids Learning Center in Lebanon throughout and after college. Working at Whiz Kids has helped grow me into the educator that I am today, and Wild Colors has allowed me to combine my passions for art and teaching. Lebanon is and has been my home for 25 years now, and I love this city. I am a community-oriented person and a big fan of supporting the small businesses in the area. As a new small business owner, I am so eager to help grow the next generation of artists in this great community.

How would you describe your artistic styling?   “I would describe my artistic style as colorful, bold, and a little whimsical.”

What is your favorite part of the TN225 project?   “My favorite part of this project was the collaborative aspect. I am a firm believer in building a strong community, and it was so nice to get to paint alongside these other artists. We were able to make new connections, have great conversations, and ultimately learn from each other. I think it shows in the painting that we have four different and distinct styles, but we can still come together to create something beautiful.”

We Will Rise Mural (626 E Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087)

Hi, I’m Kim Gregg. I am a 29 year resident of Lebanon, a self employed hair dresser, and a muralist. My husband Nicky and I own Grindstone Painting Company. I have done 3 outdoor murals in Wilson County, my favorite being the butterfly on the Lebanon Town Square outside of Dreams Boutique. I enjoyed working on this project because I was able to create my own design and use my creativity. WilCo asked that I include items that represented Wilson County, and I had a sense of pride when I realized what I could contribute to the piece. The location was fun to work in because I could talk to the people who walked by!

What got you interested in this artistic field?   “I have always enjoyed making things. I am a musician as well, so I lean towards the creative side of things. My mother was always very supportive and encouraging, she would facilitate any idea I would have.”

What inspires you?   “Whether it’s a song, a picture, a poem, or a story. The fact that people are capable of beautiful things is inspiring.”

Lebanon Looks Good On You (1340 W. Main St, Lebanon, TN 37087)

Dreams Boutique Butterfly Mural (124 Public Square, Lebanon, TN 37087)

Hi! My name is Mallory Miller and I am a proud resident of Lebanon and have grown up here with my 3 little sisters and parents on our farm in northeast Wilson County. I am the owner of Demeter’s Common Lifestyle Grocery Store on North College Street. We proudly support local artisans and farmers and supply our community with the best of the best farm fresh groceries! I love to spend time with my family, cook, paint, and garden in my free time. I am so proud to be one of the artists they chose to work on this project!

How would you describe your artistic styling?   “Groovy, non-realistic, funky, fun and bold!”

How do you tie in your art to your every day life?   “I tie art into everything I do. How I decorate my house and my store, how I dress and accessorize myself, how I cook. Everything I do has some sort of art in it.”

Wilson County Agriculture Mural (945 E. Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN 37087)