NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WRKN) — Stephen and Alex Sloan, artists from Never Xtinct, unveiled their new mural on the historic CSX underpass along 37th Avenue North in Sylvan Heights Saturday.
"We really wanted to do something for the community that everyone would enjoy, that would kind of be a reflection of the diversity in the area, and just bring some bright light to something that was kind of dark and not so pretty," Alex explained.
The public art was funded by a 2024 Metro Arts Thrive Award. The Sloans finished painting the mural in about two-and-a-half weeks, transforming the historic underpass that has stood in the community since 1920.
"It's 104 years old, and so we had to pressure wash everything, get it all off, get all the grime, and we just wanted to bring some color and just something so you could drive through and enjoy it," said Stephen.
The mural pays homage to pet-friendly neighbors and the Nashville Ballet with dogs, cats, and a ballerina featured in the project. The artists hope the mural will inspire others to be more involved in local art.
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"The neighbors that drive by when they've been out here painting, they stop and they just clap," said mural organizer Mary Breen.
Metro Councilmember Brenda Gadd participated in the ribbon cutting and read a proclamation from the Metro government to officially recognize the new mural as part of the community.