The Stories Behind the Art

Visitors and locals thrive off of creating memorable experiences and learning about the location they have decided to visit or live. We have rich history and art in Murray, KY and we want our visitors and locals to know what the story is, and know it can be found in every corner of this beloved town. The following is a list of the art and the stories behind it that are all featured in our office, and is open for the public to enjoy.

The Historic Piano

Let's go back to 1907 in Murray, KY when the first African American Church was established on the corner of 4th Street and Sycamore. The church had filled its walls with everything they needed besides a well sought after piano. The piano was agreed upon by the congregation, but due to financial situations, the church could not afford to obtain it right away. Five years went by and they were finally able to buy the piano and added it to building. After many successful years of gatherings, the church tragically caught fire, destroying many remnants inside. The piano, surviving the fire, was saved by Murray Main Street eight years ago when plans to tear down the church were put into effect. It found a new home in the Robert O. Miller Conference Center. After the announcement of the move of the Murray CVB and Murray Main Street, plans were made to repurpose the piano by Bella's in Hazel, KY. The piano has now found its newest home within our building as our new brochure rack for visitor information.

Skyline of Murray

Through our skyline, we feature a fishbowl perspective into the City of Murray, KY where visitors and locals alike can inquire about certain buildings featured along it. Designed and created by Helix Creative, the skyline of Murray is displayed on the front windows of the building so those who live in our friendly city, visitors spending a weekend with us, or passerby's can see a glimpse into the city we represent.

Interwoven Display

The Interwoven Series, created by the Murray Art Guild, was the last installment art exhibit at the Robert O. Miller Conference Center. It holds significance as a representation of an interwoven community of members, who collectively worked on each individual piece, creating one whole art installation consisting of 898 woven circles altogether. No matter age, gender, race, religion, an interwoven community puts all differences aside and creates a masterpiece representation of those differences. The art display is a beautiful story in our new building, representing our community interwoven together.

Uncommonly Common Commonwealth Kentucky

Uniqueness serves many purposes with this piece of artwork that radiates authenticity in every aspect. Every piece used to create it was found in Calloway County, even the hardware holding it together. To highlight the history and pride of the Murray-Calloway County area, the artist Justin Kimbro, found each aspect of it close to barns, along streets, near trash bins, and even hunted down materials from family properties. We proudly boast the Uncommonly Common Commonwealth Kentucky on the wall behind our front desk where regulars within the community and visitors come to admire it as they walk through the front doors.

The Kentucky Wall

During the demolition period of our new building, the discovery of original brick was a desire to achieve the industrial look we were hoping for. The Kentucky Wall was not created intentionally, but was found under thick plaster, two layers of 1950s wallpaper, a layer of wood paneling, and a front layer of wood pallets. Volunteers tirelessly put in the work of removing each layer that was covering up this beautiful brick, and it didn't stop there.

We had hoped the entire wall would be exposed brick; however, to respect the integrity of the wall, demolition stopped when the loose plaster was removed. It was not until we were on scaffolding, taking down ceiling tiles, when the Kentucky wall was discovered as the actual shape of Kentucky, strictly by coincidence. We now have a star created by local welder, Nathan Kennedy, representing where Murray is within the state, and our tagline "Murray, KY Feels Like Home" above the state outline, created by Amanda Newman from Helix Creative.

To view this art, come visit us at 206 South 4th Street.