Designed and executed by Riley Johnson
Painting assistance by Madison Larocque, Abby Bunch, Olivia Hahn, and Audrey Carranza
Platinum Patrons
- Kelly Fleming & Andrea Shiffer
- Sellman Enterprises LLC
- Leigh Ann Simpson
- Dees Brew Coffee
- F&M Bank
Special thanks to the Champaign County Arts Council, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and project sponsors who made this possible
About
The Urbana Mural, located on the west-facing wall at 108 Miami Street, stands as a historic landmark artwork shaped by the voices of Urbana. Honoring the town's past, present, and future while celebrating its distinct identity, the mural was designed in a layered collage aesthetic that incorporates symbolic imagery, local landmarks, and community stories to reflect the spirit of Urbana.
Brought to life through a grassroots crowdfunding campaign, the mural is a testament to the power of community support and shared vision. With its signature “paper rip” aesthetic revealing layers of Downtown Urbana through time, The Urbana Mural is not only a work of art, but also a lasting gift to the community.
Project Background
In December 2024, local artist Riley Johnson began going door-to-door to local businesses in search of a wall that could host Urbana's next landmark. He pitched the mural as a way to give back to his hometown.
In March 2025, Johnson launched an outreach video asking community members to share stories, memories, and ideas to inspire the design. The video reached thousands of views across platforms and generated hundreds of heartfelt responses that directly shaped the mural's imagery.
With the Champaign County Arts Council as a partner to help earmark funds, the project was greenlit after an initial $10,000 was raised, ultimately surpassing $29,000 in total community contributions.
From there, Johnson designed and painted the mural alongside four supporting artists, completing the project in just under five weeks by the end of July 2025.
Goals and Vision
The Urbana Mural was guided by five key goals:
- Celebrate Urbana's past and present identity
- Foster collaboration and community engagement
- Positively impact the community
- Establish a legacy
- Execute with excellence
Johnson hopes The Urbana Mural will continue to inspire pride, educate visitors and residents about Urbana's story, and encourage future public art and revitalization projects. Above all, the mural invites viewers to see themselves reflected within it, making it truly a mural for the people of Urbana.
The Urbana Mural is part of the Murals Across Ohio program, celebrating public art in all 88 counties ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Interactive Design Breakdown
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#TheUrbanaMural
Photos by Greg Engler Jr. and John Coffman
Video by Kevin Murray, Riley Johnson, Henry Harrigan, and Bryce Carafa
Were you a project sponsor? Any physical sponsor rewards are available for pickup at the Chamber of Commerce, 127 W Court St, Urbana, OH 43078.
For questions or inquiries, contact: contact@rileyjohnsonportfolio.com.
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