Eventually Elk City and Jarrett Court Murals

Eventually Elk City and Jarrett Court artist Kayleigh Phillips got her start in graphic design and advertising before moving to Charleston from North Carolina. In addition to mural painting, Phillips also creates tattoo art. The two works here were funded by local business owner Tighe Bullock and a grant from Charleston Urban Renewal Authority. The total cost of the works was $3,500. Both pieces are paint on brick and were created in 2018.

Eventually Elk City, on the left, is a reconceptualization of an early twentieth century advertisement. The painted ad was almost completely eroded when Phillips began working on the renovation. The artist was able to piece together that the original work read, "Eventually Washburn-Crosby's Gold Medal Flour. Why not now?" Below the words was a silhouette of the building and a collection of trees. In tribute to the original work, Phillips maintained the lettering style but changed the mural to read "Eventually Elk City. Charleston, WVa. But Why Not Now?" The single building was replaced by a section of Elk City's skyline. Lettering above the mural for Ray's Grocery, which once occupied the building, was left untouched.

Jarrett Court, on the right, was also added next to Eventually Elk City. Jarrett Court celebrates its namesake street through the same gold lettering from Eventually Elk City, but on a Black background. The top of the work also has lettering for adjacent Washington Street. Art Deco flourishes add a timeless quality to the piece. Phillips' two works reflect common themes found in Elk City's burgeoning public artworks: a recognition and reverence of the area's history combined with an emphasis on community and progress.

Eventually Elk City Mural Project, Facebook. Accessed January 25th 2021. https://www.facebook.com/eventuallyelkcity/.

Phillips, Kayleigh. Instagram. June 8th 2018. Accessed January 25th 2021. https://www.instagram.com/payleigh/?hl=en.

Taylor, Anna. Public art aims to drive future economy in historic Elk City, Charleston Gazette-Mail. July 7th 2017. Accessed January 25th 2021. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/_arts__entertainment/public-art-aims-to-drive-future-economy-in-historic-elk-city/article_afad5ad3-2731-5fb7-81f5-2572de00af3e.html.