Century-old Ohio Barn Becomes a Canvas

Pablo Picasso once said, "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls." When the art is situated alongside a dusty gravel road, it certainly provides a bright spot in the daily lives of those who are lucky enough to witness it.

Terry and Billie Spradlin bought a former dairy farm near Ray, Ohio, 14 years ago, and immediately fell in love with the century-old barn on the property. It was in rough shape, but rather than tear it down, they decided to fix it. "We knew we had to bring the barn back to life," Billie says.

Once the boards were replaced and the structure was stabilized, they decided to take their barn to the next level by having it turned into a work of art. After seeing a mural painted by artist Pamela Kellough of Chillicothe, Ohio, the Spradlins commissioned her to transform one side of their beloved barn into a mural with an American theme.

Anyone who sees Kellough's murals would assume she has had formal art training, but that is not the case. "I did not have the privilege of an education in art as no high school art classes were offered," she says. "My last art class was in sixth grade by a really grumpy teacher."

Her creativity could not be stifled, however, and she found outlets in crafting, painting, sewing, and making furniture. "I have a creative monster living inside of me that needs to be fed daily," she says.

Since most of her work is done in public spaces, she gets a lot of questions from passersby. "I will have children ask me, 'How did you get so good?' My response is to practice daily, just like you would on a piano," Kellough says. "Young women will say, 'I wish I could do what you do,' and I respond by saying that at their age I couldn't do what I do. Everything takes time and application of your craft."

Most murals are painted in public spaces, or at least on private property that is visible to the rest of the world. The Spradlins' barn isn't on a busy highway. It can't be seen from the interstate. It can only be viewed when traveling from one direction on their rural gravel road.

So why did they invest in such a large piece of art when so few people will see it in person? "We didn't do this for the world. This is just for us," Billie says. "We love our barn, we love America, and seeing this beautiful mural every day is a reminder of how lucky we are to live where we do."

Learn More

Pamela Kellough Murals
pamelakelloughmurals.com

EDITOR’S TAKE:

It is always nice to see an old structure (barn) brought back to life. In this instance, it was not only rejuvenated, but now offers something that will last for another 100 years. It is a wonderful effort and great American theme that adds joy to all who will see it. Thanks to the owners and to Ms. Kellough for creating this beautiful piece of Americana!