Local officials and community members helped put the final pieces of glass in place Thursday for the Kentucky Mirror Mosaic, wrapping up a multi-year restoration project completed almost solely by local artist Gary Bielefeld.
“I think of it as my Sistine Chapel,” Bielefeld said.
Visit Owensboro President/CEO Mark Calitri said the mural is genuinely unique among cities across the commonwealth and even the nation.
“It sets us apart and gives visitors something to experience,” Calitri said.
The original mosaic — constructed to look like a map of Kentucky — was created by Bielefeld 40 years ago. Over time, a chemical reaction between the silver and glue used to piece the mosaic together caused pieces of the mural to break and fall off.
The restoration began in September 2019 and was expected to take 4 months. Funding and winter caused initial delays, then the pandemic prevented Bielefeld from accepting volunteers to help place, lift, and glue the pieces of glass together.
Working alone this time around, Bielefeld previously said the mural became a passion project for him.
He said installing the glass got lonely at times, but said several people were constantly coming by to talk to him and give him company.
Mayor Tom Watson noted that the mural is a prime reflection of community members wanting to commit to a project without city officials interfering.
The six geographical regions of Kentucky — Mountain, Knobs, Bluegrass, Pennyrile, Western Coalfield, and Purchase — are featured on the mosaic, each represented in their own way by specific shapes and orientations of each piece of glass. There’s also a big glass star depicting Owensboro.
The mosaic is located on the Frantz Building Services Building at 319 E. Second Street, and spans 110 feet across and 43 feet high.
