uites in Lexington, KY is the huge mural that wraps the building. It is bright, colorful and produces smiles and second looks—spreading vibes of happiness and positivity at a time when we can all use it.
The first thing you notice about Elwood Hotel & S
The mural was painted during COVID in summer 2021 by Canadian artist Alixandra Jade, who was selected through a global search by Lex Arts. It continues inside throughout the public areas and hallways of the new boutique hotel.
Many murals tend to be block murals with harsh edges creating a square or rectangle. The goal here was to create a mural that is organic with the building so it scales from the side to the front and moves around the architecture of the building in a natural way.
The artist also wanted to have fun with optical illusions, for example, from afar the little boy looks like he is standing on the ledge of the building. The mural continues inside in the public areas and hallways.
The mural has become a statement piece in Lexington, spurring conversations about coming together and the happiness it brings. The hotel is adjacent to a children’s hospital with many families who visit facing serious illnesses so the mural brings a moment of joy to those who pass by.
The hotel owners wanted to keep it positive, timeless and playful and also incorporate subtle aspects of the region (e.g., the little boy has a handkerchief in his back pocket with University of Kentucky colors).
