The corner of Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard now bursts with color, thanks to a vibrant new mural unveiled Saturday as part of the “Let’s Color Jefferson Street” community event. Led by Creative Girls Rock®, global paint leader AkzoNobel, and the Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell, the project brought together residents, artists, and volunteers to celebrate creativity, culture, and community pride.
The sidewalk mural, designed by Nashville artist Elisheba Mrozik, is the latest project from the Nashville Department of Transportation’s Tactical Urbanism Program. The initiative aims to revitalize public spaces and enhance pedestrian safety through art and design.
“Community is at the heart of Jefferson Street,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who joined volunteers at the event. “We’re excited to collaborate with Creative Girls Rock®, AkzoNobel, and so many others to create public art that reflects the sights, sounds, and soul of this historic neighborhood.”
The mural project invited volunteers of all ages to help paint the artwork, with supplies provided by AkzoNobel and guidance from local artists. Children were also encouraged to participate with chalk art, adding their own expressions of joy and creativity to the day.
Creative Girls Rock® Founder and CEO Charmin Bates called the mural a symbol of transformation. “This collaboration is more than just paint on walls and sidewalks — it’s about uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation through creativity and color,” she said. Bates also credited supporting artists Christian Green, Shadale Smith, and Leandra Crystal for helping bring the design to life.
Jefferson Street, once a thriving corridor for Black culture and music — including legends like Jimi Hendrix and Duke Ellington — was chosen as a meaningful site for the mural. AkzoNobel, which has completed over 3,000 Let’s Color projects worldwide, used its own International Protective Coatings on this mural, marking the first time the durable paint has been donated for one of its community art initiatives.
“Our goal is to bring vibrancy to communities and transform lives through the power of paint,” said an AkzoNobel spokesperson. “We are proud to help restore and reimagine Jefferson Street as a beacon of culture and connection.”
In addition to AkzoNobel and Creative Girls Rock®, the mural project was supported by Hoover Paint, Regions Bank, Advanced Financial, the Metro Nashville Police Department, and NDOT.
“This mural is just the beginning. Let’s keep coloring Nashville together.”
