The Urbana Mural
Photo by John Coffman

The Urbana Mural

Building Community Through Public Art

A vibrant new mural is coming to Downtown Urbana, bringing the city's history to life through a stunning large-scale artwork by Riley Johnson! This mural will celebrate Urbana's rich heritage, blending archival photos, historical stories, and modern creativity into a dynamic visual experience.

This project, led by local artist Riley Johnson and supported by the Champaign County Arts Council, will serve as a landmark of civic pride, community connection, and artistic excellence. This mural will not only beautify Urbana but also educate, inspire, and bring people together through the power of public art.

But we need your help to make it happen! Every dollar raised will go directly toward the creation, installation, and long-term preservation of the mural. With your support, we can transform this vision into a reality.

Help us meet our goal!

7%

Donations to date: $2,403.55

About the Mural

📍 Location: 108 Miami St. Urbana, Ohio 43078
🎨 Muralist & Project Lead: Riley Johnson
📈 Fundraising Goal: $35,000
📅 Deadline: August 1st, 2025
🖌 Design Concept (WIP): Riley is working on creating a collage-style design integrating historical photos and stories of Urbana alongside artistic elements that reflect the city's present and future.

About the Artist

Riley Johnson is a young professional artist and founder of ROO Creations, specializing in murals, portraiture, and graphic design. Born and raised in Urbana, he attended Urbana High School and is currently pursuing a degree at Miami University. His work focuses on visual storytelling through art, bringing communities together through creativity and collaboration.

Riley Johnson

Why This Mural Matters

Civic Pride & Beautification

Transforms a blank wall, the perfect canvas, into a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects Urbana's unique identity.

Community Connection

Creates an opportunity for residents, businesses, and visitors to engage with Urbana's story.

Economic & Tourism Impact

Attracts foot traffic, making Downtown Urbana a more inviting and culturally rich destination.

The Urbana Mural

How You Can Support

Donate Today! Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Click the button below to donate using PayPal. Cash and check donations are also accepted at the CCAC office. Donations are tax-deductible.

Share the Campaign! Spread the word on social media, email, and within your community by sharing a link to champaigncountyartscouncil.org/the-urbana-mural and using the hashtag #TheUrbanaMural.

How Your Contribution Helps

Artist Compensation & Materials

Supports the work of a local artist and provides all necessary supplies (paint, brushes, equipment, sealants, etc.).

Community Engagement

Helps fund outreach and live painting efforts, allowing local residents to view the mural's creation.

Long-Term Preservation

Ensures the mural remains a lasting landmark for years to come.

Sponsor Tiers

Tier 1 "Hometown Hero"

Give $1-$74

Your donation will help cover the cost of paint brushes, tools, paints, and other costs.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public)

Tier 2 "Art Enthusiast"

Give $75-$149

Your donation will help cover the cost of paint brushes, tools, paints, and other costs.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public)
  • Special invitation to the Mural Dedication After-Party at Urbana Brewery Co. (donor exclusive)
  • "The Urbana Mural" Classic T-shirt

Tier 3 "Mural Maestro"Fan Favorite

Give $150-$299

Your donation will assist in the cost of a variety of paints and sealants needed to complete the mural project.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public)
  • Special invitation to the Mural Dedication After-Party at Urbana Brewery Co. (donor exclusive)
  • Personal thank you from Riley
  • "The Design" Fine art print pre-order 14" x 11" by Riley Johnson
  • "The Urbana Mural" Classic T-shirt

Tier 4 "Cultural Connoisseur"

Give $300-$999

Your donation will help cover artist compensation for this job.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public)
  • Special invitation to the Mural Dedication After-Party at Urbana Brewery Co. (donor exclusive)
  • Personal thank you from Riley
  • "The Urbana Mural" Classic T-shirt
  • (Limited edition) "The Blueprint" Premium fine art print pre-order 20" x 16" by Mike Major & Riley Johnson

Tier 5 "Gold Patron"

Give $1,000-$2,499

Your donation will help cover artist and supporting artist compensation for this job.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public) and special recognition
  • Special invitation to the Mural Dedication After-Party at Urbana Brewery Co. (donor exclusive)
  • Personal thank you from Riley
  • "The Urbana Mural" Classic T-shirt
  • (Limited edition) "The Blueprint" Premium fine art print pre-order 20" x 16" by Mike Major & Riley Johnson

Tier 6 "Platinum Patron"Business Favorite

Give $2,500+

Your donation will help cover various technical expenses and artist compensation for this job.

Receives:

  • Invitation to the Mural Dedication (open to the public) and special recognition
  • Special invitation to the Mural Dedication After-Party at Urbana Brewery Co. (donor exclusive)
  • Personal thank you from Riley
  • "The Urbana Mural" Classic T-shirt
  • (Limited edition) “The Blueprint” Premium fine art print pre-order 20”x16” by Mike Major x Riley Johnson
  • Name/logo on the mural plaque

The top donor will cut the ribbon alongside Riley during the Mural Dedication ceremony. They will be contacted after the campaign concludes.

Any physical sponsor rewards will be available for pickup only at the CCAC Office, post-mural completion.

For questions or inquiries, please contact: contact@rileyjohnsonportfolio.com.

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