Some murals are paint and purpose. Others, like this one, are heart and home.

I was invited to the town of Louisville, Mississippi, to breathe new life into a once-loved wall — one that had become a quiet echo of someone deeply missed. The mural is titled “The Flower Bearer,” created in honor of Susan Ard, a beloved volunteer and the late wife of a local doctor. Before ALS made it difficult for her to continue, Susan poured herself into her town. She planted flowers, watered them, helped with maintenance, volunteered at the local vet, and, of course, painted the wall at Becky’s Antiques, a 41’ x 15’ canvas at one of the town’s busiest intersections. Anytime her white Japanese utility truck floated through Louisville, it was accompanied by a smile and a helping hand.

After she became ill, the wall she once lovingly refreshed became still — a reminder of her absence. But thanks to the Louisville Main Street Association and Chamber of Commerce, I was honored with the opportunity to bring that space back to life and create something that would reflect the same spirit she gave so freely.

Before
After

The original request was to paint blue cornflowers — the flower symbol for ALS. But as I learned more about Susan’s warmth, creativity, and deep love for her town, I wanted to expand the tribute. So I designed a bouquet with the blue cornflower at its heart, surrounded by a mix of other vibrant blooms and colors she adored. The bouquet is being handed to the town by a hand wearing a garden glove — a quiet nod to her love of planting and nurturing — with a small tag that reads: “To Louisville, with Love — Susan.” What bloomed on that wall became not just a mural, but a living memory — a celebration of someone who gave so much of herself to this community.

It took me 11 days to complete the mural, even as the rainy season made it a bit of a dance between the clouds. But even the weather couldn’t dull the energy in town. In fact, the mural inspired more than just a fresh coat of paint — it sparked new excitement around the building itself. I had the unexpected honor of also hand-painting a new sign for the owners of Becky’s Antiques. Once they saw the installation unfolding, the buzz around it made both the business and the city want to give the space a small refresh. That new sign now stands alongside the mural as a symbol of pride, renewal, and a love for Louisville’s own.

And in true small-town fashion, Louisville gave right back. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with smiles, meals, drinks, kind words, and the kind of generosity that made me feel like I was back home in Fayette, MS, where my own love for art and community first took root. People waved from car windows, stopped to chat, and even shared their stories about Susan and the wall she once tended with so much love.

One of my most cherished moments came in the form of a little helper named Olivia, a spunky 7.5-year-old with big artist dreams of her own. She showed up with her grandfather, Pastor Dewayne, who offered encouragement and prayer. Olivia grabbed a brush and helped me finish a lower section of the mural on my final day — a passing of the torch, in a way, from one Mississippi artist to a rising one.

Olivia Painting
Reshonda & Olivia
A kind woman, named Paula, with a much-needed energy boost

As I was loading up to leave, I received a visit I’ll never forget — Susan Ard’s daughter. She and her father had just learned the mural was a tribute to Susan, and she came with stories and gratitude. She told me how much it meant to them, how perfectly it captured her mother’s spirit, and how touched they were by the mural’s presence at the heart of their town.

She was always a helping hand around town. People really respected her. She did it all on her own, without getting paid, just because she wanted to. She was a hardworking woman. I’m really excited about this. It looks really good and is well-deserved.

Anna Ard
Anna Ard
Susan Ard's Daughter

“The Flower Bearer” isn’t just about flowers — it’s about legacy, love, and the beauty of a community that remembers.

A special thank you to the ladies at Suga Moma’s Cupcakes and Thangs, the amazing women in the kitchen at Vowell’s Market, the team at Sherwin-Williams, and the incredible staff at The Mason Boutique Hotel, who made my stay extra comfortable and special. Huge thanks to the Louisville Main Street Association and Chamber of Commerce for commissioning me to do this piece and trusting me to honor Susan’s legacy in such a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who waved, yelled from their windows, or greeted me with a smile during my stay. Every gesture, no matter how small, added to the joy of creating in your town.

Local bus driver starting her morning route
Local bus driver starting her morning route
Little guy in a big truck

If you’re ever in need of a break, a chance to slow down and breathe in nature, or some warm smiles from locals who make you feel right at home, I truly encourage you to visit Louisville, MS. A weekend stay at The Mason Boutique Hotel is worth the trip alone — and be sure to stop by and visit my murals while you’re there.

Stay tuned. I’m not quite done with Louisville yet.

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