Take an art walk around Downtown Ashland, KY.
Walking Tour Map
Let’s take a walk!
Get your creative juices flowing and enjoy a walk around Downtown Ashland and see some of the art Ashland has to offer.
Starting at the beautiful Port of Ashland and ending at the historic Paramount Arts Center, this approximate 1 mile walk will take you past the newest murals and some of the historic buildings in Downtown Ashland.
When taking this walk, make sure you take lots of photos and tag us when you post them! @visitashlandky #visitaky
Port of Ashland Statues
Begin your art walk at the Port of Ashland and view the bronze statues of Venus, Genesis and Vulcan. Learn more about the statues here. The Port of Ashland offers ample parking places and public restrooms, located below the elevated picnic table just beyond the statues.
Port of Ashland Statues
Flood Wall Murals
The second stop are the Ashland Flood Wall Murals, just across the railroad tracks next to the Ashland Train Depot. You can also find flood wall murals in Portsmouth, OH, Ironton, OH, and Catlettsburg, KY. These murals give a peek into the past of the City of Ashland, they were painted by different artists and volunteers.
15th Street Mural (Behind the Delta Hotel)
Walk south on 15th street, towards the Delta Hotel by Marriott, and you will find the “You Look Good In Ashland” mural. Thanks to the efforts of AKY Urban Art Projects and financial support from the community, this beautiful mural was completed in May 2020 by Square Pegs Studio and Design.
Art Alley
Walk east a few steps on 15th street, toward 16th street, and take an insta-worthy walk down the brand new Art Alley in Downtown Ashland, KY! Completely citizen funded via online donations, the AKY Urban Art Projects group has transformed the alley between 15th and 16th Streets, between Winchester and Greenup Avenues, into a colorful and interactive art walk.
Formerly known as Quilt Alley, a Country Music Highway crazy quilt mural was first completed by Dustin York on a door on the back of the Ashland Visitors Center in approximately 2006. Another tea quilt square was started further down the alley, but never completed.
Camayo Arcade
Walk south on 16th street and then west on Winchester Avenue to 1530 Winchester Avenue to the Camyao Arcade.
At the time it was built in 1926, the Camayo Arcade was billed as the finest arcade building in the south. The Winchester and Carter Avenue facades incorporate a three-bay classical arch design. Although the Winchester Avenue marquee was altered, an original bronze canopy remains over the Carter Avenue entrance. The interior space consists of a two-story passage lined with shops and offices. The building was purchased from the Mayo family by former Mayor James Webb and in 1992 was sold to First American Bank, which is now the Community Trust Bank.
Highlands Museum and discovery center
Next stop is the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, 2 blocks east of the Camayo Arcade.
History and heritage along with energy and excitement come together on the Country Music Highway at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center. From 6 months to 96 years old, visitors find activity and information that puts the past in perspective and moves the present into the future.
Located in the old Parsons Department Store building at 1620 Winchester Avenue in Downtown Ashland, KY. Visit the Museum’s website here.
Quilt Square
Next, across the street from the Highlands Museum on the side of the building, currently the home of Boost Mobile at 1613 Winchester Avenue, next to the Old Post Office building. Nestled between 16th and 17th Streets, you will find this hand painted quilt square.
Quilt Square Crabbe Elementary
Located on the outside of the gym at Crabbe Elementary at the corner of 17th Street and Central Avenue, is this painted quilt block.
Paramount Arts Center
The final stop on the walking tour is located at 1300 Winchester Avenue the Paramount Arts Center.
The Paramount Theater was built in 1930 utilizing the design of a model theater created by Paramount Pictures for construction at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1932. There was to be one theater built in each of the forty-eight states, however, only three were completed. Ashland Paramount Theater is believed to be the sole survivor. The building is a remarkable example of blending of classical and functional modes in the ornate style referred to as art deco. The theater was purchased in 1972 by the Greater Ashland Foundation and established as the Paramount Arts Center, providing Ashland and the Tri-State with a wide range of entertaining and cultural programs. The Theater incorporated in 1990 and now operates as a separate entity from the Foundation. The Theater completed stage renovations in 2001.
For more information see their website here.
Continue your walk or see from your car
If you are willing to walk a little farther we recommend continuing the art walk to include the murals at the Ashland Town Center Mall. After the Paramount Arts Center, walk a couple blocks to the Ashland Town Center Mall and see the following two murals. If you don’t feel like continuing the walk, we highly recommend getting in your car and adding these two stops to your art tour.
aSHLAND tOWN CENTER MALL MURAL
Located outside between TJ Maxx and the food court this 16-foot by 16-foot mural, painted by Jennifer Spade and Sara Brown, and completed in September 2020.
The Ashland Town Center Mall is located at 500 Winchester Avenue.
Slim Chickens Mural
Located at Slim Chickens Restaurant, in the parking lot of the Ashland Town Center Mall, located at 702 Carter Avenue.
