There’s something special about a town that puts its pride on public display for all to enjoy. In Wilmington, Ohio, art stretches across entire building walls, transforming downtown into an open-air gallery of community, history and creativity.
In Wilmington, Ohio, art stretches across entire building walls, transforming downtown into an open-air gallery of community, history and creativity.
As one local writer perfectly put it, “There is something warm and inviting about a community that shows pride for public art by displaying building-sized, hand-painted murals. It just kind of reaches out and says, ‘Welcome!’” That’s exactly the feeling you get as you explore Wilmington’s historic streets, every mural tells a story and each one invites you to be part of it.
A Walk Through Wilmington’s Art and Time
Wilmington is home to eight large-scale murals, all within the historic downtown area. Some are restored advertisements from the early 1900s, like the Selz Shoes and Coca-Cola mural, believed to have been painted around 1900–1907. These vintage ads, though faded, still add charm and nostalgia as you enter town from State Route 68.
Jason Morgan working on one of his most recent murals, a stable of horses located near historic restaurant and hotel, General Denver.
Across the street, the side of a three-story building at 94 South Street features a striking set of painted marble pillars, a 1999 piece by local artists Todd and Barbara Brausch that elevates the architecture into an illusion of grandeur.
Then there’s the unforgettable Lady of the Balcony, a romantic, dreamlike mural by Jason Morgan. Facing the city municipal building’s parking lot, this painting captures imaginations and invites viewers to imagine the story behind the mysterious figure.
Main Street Market Mural features a bustling farmers market and hot air balloons, inspired by Clinton County’s agricultural roots.
Murals with Meaning
Jason Morgan’s work continues to grace Wilmington with several more pieces:
- Main Street Market Mural (2007): Spanning 1,600 square feet, this colorful scene on 63 W. Main Street features a bustling farmers market and hot air balloons, inspired by Clinton County’s agricultural roots. Many notable locals are featured in this mural as well.
- Community Garden Mural (2010): Located at 55 E. Locust Street, this vibrant painting celebrates local gardening and agricultural traditions and the lives of everyday residents.
- Heritage Harvesters: On the historic Fifth Bosworth Building, this massive sepia-toned mural honors the county’s deep farming legacy and Ohio Century Farms families.
Wilmington’s murals aren’t just decorative, they’re personal. The Samuel Walker Building’s new mural hints at the boutique and jewelry offerings inside. At 100 S. South Street, the New Life Clinic mural, funded by the 2015 Rock-a-thon and painted by Duane Richard, shows a joyful silhouette of a child swinging, representing hope and new beginnings.
New Life Clinic mural represents hope and new beginnings.
Beyond Wilmington: Art Across Clinton County
Public art isn’t limited to Wilmington. Nearby communities have joined the movement:
- Port William: On the old feed mill, a mural depicts Gilbert “Lil’ Gib” VanZandt, a 10-year-old Civil War drummer boy who marched with General Sherman.
- Blanchester: A mural by Ron Keith honors the traction line centennial, painted in 2006 at 203 S. Broadway.
- Sabina: Duane Richard’s powerful tribute to fallen Marine Lance Corporal Brett Wightman spans 30 feet across a barn on his family’s farm, an emotional and patriotic piece honoring local sacrifice.
Plan Your Own Mural Tour
If you’re staying at the Roberts Centre or visiting for an event, make time to explore these stunning works of art. Whether you’re admiring painted history or simply soaking in the charm of small-town creativity, Wilmington’s murals offer a unique, free way to connect with the heart of Ohio.
Take a stroll, snap some photos and discover the stories told in color across Clinton County.
