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Anyone driving around Columbus must have seen one or two new murals going up in the Downtown area. The first is on the side of the Tri-County Realty - Double G Realty Group building on Milam Street across from the County Courthouse. The other is at the entrance to the newly named “Artist Alley,” in the 500 block of Walnut Street.
Matt Tumlinson, working on the Milam Street mural, is a multifaceted artist, raised in rural central Texas, currently residing in San Antonio, according to a release. Although his career as a full-time artist began in 2014, art has been a common thread and constant presence throughout his life. His work has been showcased in fine art galleries throughout the country and garnered attention with collectors from around the world. Matt is an eighth-generation direct descendant of John and Elizabeth Tumlinson, one of the first families to settle in Columbus in the 1820s, according to a release.
Working on the Walnut Street mural is Christen Horner, a fifth-generation Texan who comes from a long line of farmers and ranchers, according to a release. Her roots helped cultivate her inquisitive and curious sides and taught her integrity, grit, the meaning of a strong work ethic, and how passion is grown. It allowed her to be free to create and show love and beauty through each piece of art. She paints mostly in impressionistic expressionism, but just like Texas cattle, she said she doesn’t like being fenced in. So, she says she dabbles in almost every genre and medium.
“Each piece I create is honest and houses a piece of my soul somewhere in the midst,” says Horner.
These murals are the work of A Better Columbus, a nonprofit created to make Columbus better. Their vision is to connect residents, visitors, and businesses to encourage growth while celebrating our heritage. Learn more about A Better Columbus at ABColumbus.org.
An ABC spokesperson said, “We are all about collaboration at A Better Columbus. And these two murals would not be happening without assistance from Drew and Kim Lynch, The Laura Dick Rau Trust, Columbus State Bank and Tri-County Realty - Double G Realty Group. We are grateful for everyone’s support.”
Both artists are returning to Columbus this week to finish their murals on Friday and Saturday during the Magnolia Days Festival and the Bicentennial celebration. ABC said they will be happy to chat with onlookers and maybe even pose for photos.
