ASHLAND — Downtown Ashland visitors will soon have a vibrant new photo opportunity.
Troy Freeman, owner and lead artist of FreeSky Studios, may have his latest mural complete at the corner of Union and Third streets before the weekend arrives.
FreeSky Studios is a professional mural and sign painting business founded by Freeman, who resides in central Illinois, according to the business’ website. He has more than 20 years of experience and his work is featured throughout the country.
Mayor Matt Miller said Tuesday the city collaborated with the Leadership Ashland Class of 2026, as well as the property owners of the building the mural is being painted on, to bring the project to life.
“He is painting a beautiful nighttime scene of Ashland. It will be the first nighttime scene he (Freeman) said he’s ever … done,” the mayor said. “It will be spectacular.”
The mural includes a script “Ashland County, Ohio,” hot air balloons and The Ashland Theatre, among other scenery set in front of a colorful and vibrant sunset.
Once the mural is complete — which Miller said may be as soon as the end of the week — a small modern green space will be installed in front of Freeman’s artwork.
“It will be hopefully be one of those iconic places in Ashland that for generations people come and pose and get a picture in front of Ashland County, Ohio,” the mayor said.
The mural was made possible through fundraising completed by the Leadership Ashland Class of 2026, he said.
Freeman has posted daily updates on FreeSky Studio’s Facebook page showing his progress on the mural, and giving folks a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s coming together from start to finish.
Below are Freeman’s day-by-day updates from Sunday through Tuesday:
