The city of Gallatin has awarded the City Beautification Award to a local artist known for his elaborate murals and outdoor displays.
Bryan Deese has been operating out of a Witherspoon Avenue studio in Gallatin since 2019, and is known for his large mural paintings in public spaces. The Beautification Award was given to Deese in response to a recent work of his combining two iconic images: the face of Tennessee legend Elvis Presley and van Gogh’s classic painting Starry Night. Inspired by listening to the King’s “Blue Christmas” during last Thanksgiving, Deese and his 10-year-old son Henry created the window display in about a week.
Past works by Deese include a pair of 2019 murals in downtown Gallatin, depicting the area’s history of trolleys and trains as well as a historic 1970 basketball game between Gallatin and Union High, colorful art at the city recycling center, and a Thompson Park mural honoring Ray Underhill, Tennessee’s first professional skateboarder. Recent years have seen municipalities embrace murals and some Forms of street art, recognizing the impact the medium has had on graphic design and popular culture and its ability to beautify the city. Gallatin has encouraged residents to submit local businesses and artists for the Beautification Awards.
Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown presented Deese and Henry with the Beautification Award in a January ceremony.Get a Free Quote for Forms
