Champaign County Visitor's Bureau
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Dine
    • Restaurant Week 2025
  • Stay
  • Best Hometown
  • Events
    • Second Saturdays
    • Submit an Event
  • Explore
  • DORA
  • Blog
  • Wedding Venues
  • Videos
  • Contact

Brushing Urbana’s Story Onto the Walls

5/30/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
In the heart of Downtown Urbana, a dream is coming to life—one brushstroke at a time. Riley Johnson, a passionate and determined artist, is embarking on a creative journey that will leave a lasting mark on the community. The Urbana Mural Project isn’t just about painting a wall; it’s about weaving together the city’s past, present, and future in a stunning visual masterpiece. For Riley, art has always been more than just an expression; it’s a way to connect, to inspire, and to tell stories. As the owner of ROO Creations, a multifaceted creative practice, Riley has been making waves in the art world with portraits, murals, graphic design, and live art. But this project is personal. Having grown up in Urbana, the opportunity to create a large-scale exterior mural here is the fulfillment of a long-held dream. The mission of The Urbana Mural Project is to create something that deeply resonates with Urbana’s people, celebrates the community, and enhances the small-town charm we all love,” Riley shares. “This mural will be a defining piece of public art that brings vibrancy, conversation, and a sense of pride.”
Picture
Picture
Picture
The Vision: More Than Paint on a Wall 
The Urbana Mural Project will be a dynamic, thought-provoking piece that embraces a multimedia collage aesthetic. Rather than a single image, the mural will unfold like a visual storybook—honoring the past with historical references while embracing the present and future of the town. Local imagery, historical photographs, and even hidden newspaper stories will be embedded within the design, inviting viewers to discover Urbana’s history in a new and engaging way. “The design will have layers of meaning,” Riley explains. “It’s not just a mural—it’s Urbana’s story, told in a way that’s never been done before.”  The design will have layers of meaning,” Riley explains. “It’s not just a mural—it’s Urbana’s story, told in a way that’s never been done before.” 

The Road to Reality
As with any ambitious project, the road to creating The Urbana Mural has had its challenges. Finding the perfect location, aligning with community vision, and securing support have all been integral steps in the process. Collaborating with local organizations has been key, as has forming a team of project champions, including Polly Trenor (Visitor Experience Representative & City Liaison), Jamon Sellman (Property Owner & Project Advocate), and Taylor Armstrong (Spokesperson & Fundraiser). The mural will be brought to life using high-quality acrylic paints and advanced techniques to ensure longevity. The grid method will be used to scale the intricate design onto the wall, with layers of blending and realism adding depth and intrigue. The finished product will be more than just a painting—it will be a spectacle that sparks conversation and fosters a sense of community pride. 

How You Can Be Part of Urbana’s Next Landmark 
Community support is vital to making The Urbana Mural Project a reality. Sponsorship reward tiers will allow individuals and businesses to contribute while receiving exclusive perks such as mural-themed t-shirts and fine art prints of the design. Riley also plans to incorporate live painting events during Urbana’s Second Saturdays and Art Affair on the Square, giving people the chance to watch the mural take shape in real time. 

“This project isn’t just mine—it belongs to the people of Urbana,” Riley emphasizes. “I hope the community will rally behind it, because together, we can create something truly meaningful.” 

If you’d like to follow along on this incredible artistic journey, Riley will be sharing updates on Instagram at @rileyjohnsonportfolio, as well as on Facebook. 

A Legacy in Color 
Slated for completion by August 2025, The Urbana Mural will be a defining piece of the town’s cultural landscape. More than just a work of art, it will be a statement—a reminder of Urbana’s rich history, its evolving story, and the creative spirit that makes this town special. 

So the next time you walk through downtown Urbana, imagine the transformation. Imagine the colors, the details, the legacy being painted onto the walls. And know that you, too, can be part of this moment in Urbana’s history.
Click Here To Donate!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Champaign County Things To Do
    Coffee
    Coffee Trail
    Explore
    Heritage Trail
    History
    Outdoors
    Wine
    Wine Trail

    RSS Feed

Champaign County Visitors Bureau logo
Champaign County Visitors Bureau
​127 W. Court Street, Urbana, OH 43078
Phone: (937) 653-5764
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-4PM
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Champaign County Ohio logo
Champaign Economic Partnership logo
City of Urbana Ohio logo
North Lewisburg, Ohio
Mechanicsburg Ohio
St. Paris Ohio
© Champaign County Visitors Bureau
Website by Berry Digital Solutions, LLC
​
Urbana, Ohio
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Dine
    • Restaurant Week 2025
  • Stay
  • Best Hometown
  • Events
    • Second Saturdays
    • Submit an Event
  • Explore
  • DORA
  • Blog
  • Wedding Venues
  • Videos
  • Contact