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The mural of jazz musician Hoagy Carmichael is nearly finished after more than three weeks of painting.

Richmond residents are hoping the new mural downtown will bring visitors and business to the area.

“We need something that stands out so we’re not like every other town in Indiana,” Richmond business owner Chris Hardie said. “It [the mural] makes us more visible and makes people want to keep coming back.”

The mural was created to celebrate Richmond’s jazz history, help reduce graffiti and bring businesses to the area.

Local painter Pamela Bliss took the project because of her experience, appreciation for jazz and the opportunity to teach the community about its jazz history.

The 25 foot tall mural is painted on the side of the Readmore building at 9^th and Main street. It took 10 gallons of black paint for the background and two gallons of white for Carmichael’s face, hair and hand.

Jim Hair from Richmond Art Works, who oversaw the project, says donations and gifts paid for the $22,000 mural.

The mural will be officially unveiled Saturday. Hair says the city is planning on painting more murals in the future.

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Mural Unveiling
Saturday, July 5, 2008
at
9^th and Main Street (Readmore building)

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

2 – 4 p.m.