Legacy seeking sponsors to expand Covington murals

Hoping to capitalize on the popularity of Robert Dafford's Covington flood wall murals, Northern Kentucky's young professionals group Legacy is searching for sponsors of a second phase.

Julie Hopkins, a former co-chair for the project and a member of the board of directors for the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, says that they would like to have the approximately $200,000 second phase fully funded before beginning work on the wall.

While merchandise sales help pay for basic maintenance of the murals, sponsorship from corporations and individuals is required to get paint on the walls.

A typical one-panel mural can cost up to $20,000, while a two-panel mural can approach $35,000.

Hopkins says that Legacy will soon form an ad hoc committee to discuss their fundraising options.

Renowned muralist Robert Dafford has completed his work on the first phase, a chronological series of 18 panels depicting the history of Covington and the Northern Kentucky region.

Hopkins credits the City of Covington for making the project possible.

"The city's support went a long way toward getting permission from the Army Corps of Engineers," she says.

The city also sponsored its own panel, a baseball-themed mural honoring local softball legend Nick Cappell.

Recently, sponsors have stepped up to provide lighting for the project, which will be installed by the beginning of summer.

Hopkins says that she hopes that the lighting will help spur additional interest in funding new murals, and that the public art project will become a "highlighted attraction" that will enhance the hiking and biking experience along the riverfront.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Julie Hopkins, board of directors, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Photographs by Scott Beseler