The best part of reminiscing about a fun trip is flipping through photos that inspire memories. Bring a unique flair to your selfies, gal pal pics, or family photos with ground-to-roof murals across Williamson County—an ever-growing list of must-see stops. Map out these public art pieces and enjoy a creative trek through history through the lens of locals, from kids to pros, with murals that celebrate the people, the sites, and the causes we hold dear.
We Heart Franklin
Find It: On the side of Riverside Franklin; @riversidefranklin
Address: 144 Bridge St, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: ForBecks/Chris Tidwell; @forbecks | Photo credit: Lady_rebellium
You may have stumbled across one of Chris Tidwell’s pop art pieces around Nashville accidentally—an ice cream cone painted on the sidewalk, a little Lego man on the bottom of a wall, a foil balloon in the Gulch (which he calls his first “legal” mural), a wall of hearts at the bar, or a floating Instagram “like” button. The artist better known as For Becks, the Brentwood resident, has been creating street art since 2010, with his specialty being stencils that he uses to paint in three-dimensional graphics. When Riverside Franklin’s owners reached out to add a little mural joy to their sidewall, For Becks brought some Franklin charm to his classic “like” button. It’s the perfect spot to pose; visitors can stand right underneath the heart!
Welcome To Franklin Postcard
Find It: On the side of Urgent Care
Address: 509 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: Michael Cooper of Murals & More; @muralsandmore | Photo credit: Nashexplorer
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Send a “wish you were here” sunshine snap to your friends! This eye-catching “Welcome To Franklin” postcard greets passersby on Hillsboro Road with 10-foot-tall letters and vivid scenes of iconic Franklin locations. The mural was created by resident Michael Cooper, owner of Murals & More, who has over 30 years of experience as a muralist. He painted the exterior brick wall with snapshots of Franklin life: the Farmers’ Market, the double arch Natchez Trace bridge, hot air balloons, Franklin Theatre, Harlinsdale Farm, and The Factory at Franklin, among others. The classic Tennessee tri-star polishes off the postcard. The mural is a punchy celebration of all things Franklin and took two months to paint—it’s a whopping 41 feet wide.
Tree & Swing
Find It: At Westhaven Town Center; @westhavenslc
Address: 188 Front St, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: Kristen Fisher; @kdub_design | Photo credit: taraallen51
A dreamy tree swing invites guests to sit and stay a spell in Westhaven’s charming Town Center. Painted on white brick, a massive tree hides under the stairwell with fun additions like a row of ducks and a ladder to “climb” up into the colorful leaves. It’s a great spot for kids to look for “Easter eggs,” as artist Kristen Fisher hid icons like a flower, a paw print, a candle, a coffee cup, a dollar sign, a pair of glasses—the list goes on—in the tree trunk’s bark. Guests will also find a scattering of colorful rocks at the base of the tree with inspirational quotes like, “Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it!” and “You are loved!” Lean up against the wall with your legs crossed to make it look like you’re swinging the day away in Westhaven.
Franklin Past, Present & Future
Find It: Under the bridge at Pinkerton Park; @friendsoffranklinparks
Address: 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: 13 local students | Photo credit: Julius.shortlegs
Take in the scenic views of Pinkerton Park, and you’ll be rewarded with a patriotic compilation of local art. Titled “Franklin Past, Present, Future,” this mural under the bridge was a collaboration of art from 13 area students who celebrated Franklin’s first Kids Art Festival of Tennessee in June 2015. The kids painted depictions of cannons and covered wagons, Franklin Theatre showing “Guys and Dolls,” historic Carnton, children playing with poodles in the park, a propeller plane, historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, and a car driving over the Natchez Trace Bridge dotted with puffy clouds.
Fairview, TN with Tri-Star
Find It: On the garage door at Farm Fresh Vintage Finds; @farmfreshvintagefinds
Address: 1861 Fairview Blvd, Fairview, TN 37062
Artist: Beth Tidwell and her daughter, Shelby
Once you’ve grabbed an ice cream cone from the creamery at this charming DIY and antique haven, share a cheery photo in front of the Fairview mural at Farm Fresh Vintage Finds. Painted on a white garage, this charming graphic mural—a simple Fairview, TN, and blue tri-star—can be found at renovation queen and Fairview native Beth Tidwell’s shop. “My daughter Shelby and I painted it last May when we opened the creamery portion of Farm Fresh,” Beth shares. “We wanted to have a place for people to take photos with their friends and family.” Here’s a tip: Plan a little extra time to stay and browse vintage finds after sharing this mural snap to your feed.
Fairview Landscape
Find It: On the side of Key Chiropractic
Address: 1712 Fairview Blvd E, Fairview, TN 37062
Artist: Fairview Arts Council & the community; @fairviewarts
A smattering of color stands out on Fairview Boulevard, showing off an entire community’s artistic stylings through a mural near Country Cafe. Around the words “Fairview, Tennessee 37062” are images that represent Fairview’s landscape and culture—trees, lakes, wildlife, a sunset, and a nod to Bowie Nature Park. The Fairview Arts Council added the black outline for the entire mural in late 2020. Community members of all ages came together in socially-distanced time blocks to paint different sections. You’ll find all of the artists’ names signed in a tree trunk on the far right-hand side. Here’s an I-Spy for kids: Can you find Buddy among the brush strokes? Buddy is a black dog who came to live next to the mural about five years ago (you’ll see his bed and food nearby) and never left. He is the area’s local mascot —and is now memorialized as a Fairview icon in paint.
50 Years of Brentwood
Find It: On the side of Suki Sushi; @sukisushitn
Address: 7030 Executive Center Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027
Artist: April James; @ajamesartist
As you drive by City Park, a vibrant pop of blue will catch your eye. This colorful mural—Brentwood’s first—was commissioned in 2019 through Leadership Brentwood’s initiative to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city’s founding. Every year, the leadership class comes up with a project to give back to the community, and the group voted on a trendy mural fit for all ages to attract visitors for a photo opp. The bright blue background won the design approval through the city, and a local Williamson Co. artist, April James, brought the painting to life. The mural celebrates Brentwood’s history and landmarks, including spotlights on the Town Center Clock, historic Ravenswood Mansion, and the City of Brentwood seal.
This Girl Can
Find It: On the drive-thru side of Mama’s Java; @mamasjava
Address: 305 Sheldon Valley Dr, Nolensville, TN 37135
Artist: Kim Radford; @kimradfordartist
Jazz up your selfie with an impressive and empowering mural! In 2020, Tennessee commemorated 100 years of women’s suffrage and the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. To celebrate, a team of seven female artists designed and painted stunning original pieces across the state through the Walls for Women project. Nashville artist Kim Radford designed the final piece in the project: “This Girl Can” in Nolensville. It matches a sister mural she painted in Huntsville, Alabama. “A lot has happened in 100 years, and I am so proud to have two murals that champion our gender,” she shared about her work. Visitors to Mama’s Java will find a brilliant orange, blue, white, and pink explosion of roses and daisies painted on brick with the script: “This girl can.” Grab a cup of coffee and celebrate with a snap!
Welcome To Franklin Script
Find It: On the back of Bobby’s Automotive
Address: 713 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: KAT (Unknown)
You’ll find a hidden Franklin gem with some 70s flair behind Bobby’s Automotive off of Columbia Ave. Painted in curvy white letters with a red outline on a pale yellow fence, this “Welcome To Franklin” mural was painted by a yet-to-be-named artist—all we know is that “KAT” contributed this pop of color to downtown.
Let Your Light Shine
Find It: At Riley’s Salon on Columbia Ave; @rileysfranklintn
Address: 919 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
Artist: Amy Stielstra; @amystielstra
A very special mural is located at Riley’s Salon! In 2019, Raymond Marcial Cruz passed away after a three-year battle with bone cancer. A lover of music and a talented singer-songwriter, Ray was described as a “constant bright light to those who knew him” and lived by the motto of, “You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can choose how to respond. He encouraged those around him to live fully, show positivity, and give back to others—inspiring the “Let Your Light Shine” mural. Amy Stielstra painted the mural in a vibrant palette of red, yellow, blue, orange, and coral colors. The mural is accompanied by a plaque with a QR code that directs visitors to the Ray of Light Foundation to celebrate Ray’s legacy.
