Easily one of Louisville’s largest and most recognizable artistic presentations only five years after it was unveiled is the spectacular mural on the east wall of the lobby of the KFC Yum! Center, announcing the preeminence of University of Louisville athletics to the community. The 80 x 140-foot piece doesn’t yet have a name and little no recognition has been accorded to the artists.
A little research indicates that the mural was designed by the Swope Design Center, a firm located between the August Moon restaurant and the Jim Porter Tavern on Lexington Road near the Highlands. Ann Swope, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, is the principle designer, and is considered one of the region’s top commercial interior designers. Her husband, Brad, is a University of Kentucky graduate, and responsible for business development at for the company.
Yes, if you’re wondering whether there’s a Sam Swope Autogroup connection. Brad previously held sales and management positions with that company. He’s also a former marine and currently holds the record time for riding a bicycle 400 miles across the state.
Ann graduated from UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, which was named the number one public design school in the world by I.D. The International Design Magazine.
They did the work under contract with HOK Sports, which did the architectural design for the KFC Yum! Center.
It’s a great piece of art that deserves a name.
With its scenes of Louisville, and the predominant image of a basketball with the Cards’ logo — it seems natural to me that this should be the title:
“L1C4” – Louisville First, Cards Forever
No need to re-invent the wheel! 🙂
Sounds good to me. Would like to see the artist/designer(s) get some credit.