Public Art Map

You won’t just find beautiful architecture and historic markers in the downtown district of Danville, KY. Use our Public Art Map to explore 16 pieces of contemporary public art – including murals, sculptures, mosaics, and more! You can pick up a printed copy of the map at the Art Center or the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau offices, or use the interactive Google map, below.

These icons on the map refer to the location of (indoor) art pieces by Stephen Rolfe Powell. Based in Danville, Kentucky, Stephen Rolfe Powell made his mark on the international glass world. The artist was equally devoted to his role of teacher and mentor at Centre College where he was a professor for more than 35 years. Powell exhibited his work nationally and internationally and participated in workshops, demonstrations, and lectures across the globe. His intricate, colorful glass vessel sculptures can be found in museums across the country. Learn more about Stephen Powell here.

#1 – Two Ways In
(located at Constitution Square historic site)

This tree was hand carved by Buck Graham and Dennis Toadvine. It depicts the natural features of the region as well as serving as an interpretation of the Wilderness Road, the early road that led settlers to Danville. It was commissioned by the Art Commission of Danville-Boyle County in 2018. 

#2 – Governor’s Circle
(located at Constitution Square historic site)

A ring of bronze plaques and seasonal flowers celebrates the former governors of Kentucky. The central “United We Stand” sculpture built by  George F. Yostel in 1981, commemorates the drafting of the Kentucky State Constitution in 1792. 

#3 – William “Bunny” Davis Mural
(located on 2nd Street)

This mural features Bunny Davis, a Danville icon, who throughout his life broke racial barriers and achieved great success as a leader in sports, business, and government. The mural was painted by Ryan “ARCY” Christenson in front of a live audience during the Soul of Second Street Festival in 2018. The mural was commissioned by the Heart of Danville. 

#4 – Diversitea Mural
(located at 135 N. 2nd Street)

This mural, celebrating diversity (as well as tea), was painted by muralist Dee Craig of Belfast as part of Danville Sister Cities Commission artist exchange program with Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. It is installed on the side of the Elmwood Inn Fine Teas building.

#5 – Danville Mural
(located at 126 N. 3rd Street)

Andee Rudloff creates murals that allow the community to participate from concept to creation. This mural features colorful renditions of many of the things that make Danville unique. The mural was commissioned by the Heart of Danville in 2018. 

#6 – Carl Benson Park
(located at the corner of 4th Street and W. Broadway)

This park, commissioned by Boyle County Public Library in 2012, celebrates Karl Benson who served as library director from 1973 to 2013. It features seating areas, a fountain, and several bronze sculptures by artist Gary Lee Price. 

#7 – Art Local Mural
(located at 111 N. 4th Street)

This mural by Brandon Long celebrates the local art scene of Danville. Commissioned in 2018 by Art Center of the Bluegrass

#8 – Color Waves Mosaic
(located at the corner of 4th Street and Main Street)

This mosaic mural by Tracy Pennington was commissioned by Art Center of the Bluegrass in 2019. The artist collaborated with students from Kentucky School for the Deaf and joined their mini-mosaics into a unified whole.

#9 – Treble Cycle
(located at 401 W. Main Street)

While it looks like a functional antique motorcycle, this mixed-media sculpture by Mike Welch is made entirely of repurposed materials. Gifted to the Art Center in 2006 by John and Barbara Lockhart.

#10 – Pathway of Peace Labyrinth
(located at 500 W. Main Street)

Based on the labyrinth at the cathedral in Chartres, France, this labyrinth invites visitors to walk the path as an exercise in meditation and prayer. Commissioned by the Presbyterian Church of Danville.

#11 – Ex Astris
(located at 300 W. Walnut Street)

Ex Astris (Latin for “From the Stars”), by Thomas Yeary,  is a 14′ metal sculpture that greets visitors to Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts. It was commissioned by Jane Morton Norton in 1978. 

#12 – Abraham Lincoln
(located on the Centre College campus)

Unveiled shortly before the 2012 Vice-Presidential debate held at Centre College, this bronze sculpture features a young Lincoln reading a book loaned to him by John Todd Stuart, a Centre graduate. The base features the Lincoln quote “I will study and be ready; then maybe the chance will come.” The sculpture was made by Ed Hamilton in 2012. 

#13 – The Flame
(located on the Centre College campus)

This abstract bronze, by John Somville and Dottie Smith, sculpture features the quote, “Where the light is brightest, the shadows are deepest” – Goethe. The sculpture was given in tribute to Ray Smith of Dallas, Texas by Dottie Smith in 1969. 

#14 – Palace of Memory
(located on the Centre College campus)

The sculpture fuses new world and old world forms: an Egyptian Scarab beetle and the ancient Native American Serpent Mound. It celebrates the diversity and depth of human knowledge. On its underside are inscriptions,  suggested by dozens of Centre faculty, staff, and students, from many different areas of human knowledge. The sculpture was made by Tom Chapin in 2000.

#15 – C6H0
(located on the Centre College campus)

Although not technically a work of public art, the C6H0 graffiti on the campus of Centre College. is revered as such.  The letters were painted in celebration by Centre Students when the Centre Colonels toppled Harvard in a game of football in 1921. The score: Centre 6 – Harvard 0. The victory has been described as “one of the greatest upsets in sports history.” 

#16 – The Rip
(located on the Centre College campus)

This stainless-steel abstract sculpture, by Garry Bibbs, represents a saw ripping through wood. It was given to Centre College by Duane Van Horn.