Great things come together when we work together, and that’s the lesson to be learned from the newest mural on the Hilltop, Lady Wisdom!

Lady Wisdom’s journey began when artist Sarah Hout, our 2022 large-scale muralist, participated in the the Short North Arts District’s Summer Spray series in 2021. The mural is based on a photo of Columbus artist Gabrielle Solange as her muse. We were instantly drawn to Sarah’s use of color, imagery, and purpose. Here’s how Sarah described the piece:

Meet "Lady Wisdom". She stands in the streets calling to all those who have ears to hear, beckoning them to make their homes in Truth. In my rendition, she is at rest while the birds of the field (which represent humanity) nest in her hair.

After completing its stint as a temporary mural in the summer of 2021, Sarah later posted on social media that she was looking for a permanent home for Lady Wisdom, to which we eagerly replied that we’d love to bring it to the Hilltop.

Fortunately, Jones Lumber & Millwork, a long-time sponsor of our festival, Summer Jam West, was thrilled to have it on their wall facing Sylvan Ave and the Camp Chase Trail, where it has excellent visibility from the road and trail. Win-win-win!

Alex Randall and Brandon Richardson, volunteers from Best Buy’s installation team, offered to handle the installation and even gave up part of their day off to help us out!

A huge thank you goes to Sarah for gifting and trusting us with her beautiful work, now displayed for the enjoyment of the Hilltop community (and those passing through). We are also grateful to Jones Lumber for offering their wall, to Alex and Brandon for their time and expertise, and to HAC board member Lexie Holliday for seeing this project through - thank you!