Katie Grottenthaler stands beside Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s Mural at 109 England Street
Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s once bare brick wall is Ashland’s newest destination for art lovers and selfie-takers alike. For artist Katie Grottenthaler, watching reactions to her mural is part of the fun. “People are always walking by and trying to get their picture taken with it,” Katie laughs in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association. “The mural at 109 England Street is a really fun addition to an already very artsy town.”
Ashland is a welcoming destination for creatives, so when Artistic Fusion owner and master stylist Jane Morris Baker posted she was looking for a muralist on Facebook, Katie jumped at the opportunity. “I drew a detailed sketch of a steampunk-style locomotive for Jane and she really liked it,” says Katie. “So I ran with it, and the concept developed more and more and more.”
Over the course of several months, the mural transformed from a sketch, to a canvas painting, to a projection, to a freehand painting. “Each element creates the whole design,” said Katie. “Making art like this allows me to be patient and just enjoy the process of creating.”
As you stroll through Downtown Ashland–whether it is during Ashland Fourth Friday’s monthly art fairs, Ashland Saturday Soundtracks weekly concerts, or downtown restaurants and shops open daily–stop by Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s mural for a picture perfect memento.