Main Street Murfreesboro is proud to present this special online auction in celebration of our 40th anniversary. It features 14 original paintings from our collaborative mural wall project with the Rutherford Arts Alliance and The Walnut House. Each piece tells the story of our city, from its founding in the 1800s to the revitalization of our historic square in the 1980s.

Main Street Murfreesboro thrives on collaborative projects with the community. The Mural Wall project was a dream of Ricky Martini, Director of The Walnut House, and a desire to keep their mural wall continuing to showcase local artists' talent.

Main Street Murfreesboro was invited to join in planning something for the mural wall in 2025 to celebrate the nonprofit's 40th anniversary.

A group of individuals from different arenas in the community sat down one cold January day and brainstormed how to make the mural wall come to life for Main Street.

Main Street Murfreesboro wants to thank the following people for providing their talents, creative storytelling skills, historical knowledge, and love for the arts community! This project was a collaborative effort of many. Special thanks to the 13 artists who, with only three weeks' notice, agreed to paint an "assigned" theme to fit our timeline of Murfreesboro's history in the downtown based on photographs discovered through research.

Special thanks to:

Carol Berning - who led the call for the artists, assigned themes, and even painted two panels!

Bill Jakes - our downtown historian and fact checker!

Kara Kemp - the official Murfreesboro Storyteller.

Jeff Lysyczyn - Rutherford Arts Alliance Executive Director and contributing advisor.

Tom Womack - not pictured (he is always the one behind the camera documenting the projects). A contributing advisor for the project.

Ricky Martini - Curator and Creator of the Walnut House Mural Wall project! He not only designed the project but preps the panels and hangs them for viewing. Check out The Walnut House located at 116 North Walnut House for your entertainment venue needs!

Special thanks goes to the artists who freely contributed their talents to be a part of this project for Main Street Murfreesboro:

Gregory Lannom, Justyna Kostkowska, Henry Jones, Carol Berning, Mary Watkins, Melinda Tate, Nadine Shillingford, Robin Caddell, Abby Reish, Madison Pantuso, Pam Mack, LeAndra Crystal Richardson, and Yakruti Patel.

This auction isn’t just about owning a beautiful piece of Murfreesboro’s history. It’s about investing in the future of our downtown.

All funds raised will directly support upcoming public art and beautification projects led by Main Street Murfreesboro in partnership with local artists. From murals and art installations to community performances and seasonal enhancements, your contribution helps keep downtown Murfreesboro vibrant, welcoming, and full of life year-round.

D: Civil War Era (1863)