A revolutionary multi-sensory public art installation is nearing completion in Louisville's Clifton neighborhood, featuring nearly 4,000 handmade ceramic tiles designed to make local landmarks accessible through touch. Artist Liz Richter and her team of local collaborators have dedicated five years to creating this unique tactile mural, which is located on Frankfort Avenue near State Street.

The ambitious project transforms a simple wall into an interactive community map that visitors can explore through both sight and touch. Each ceramic piece was crafted by hand using exterior-grade quality materials, ensuring the artwork can withstand weather conditions while maintaining its intricate textures. The mural depicts familiar Clifton landmarks through raised carvings and textured patterns, allowing people to literally feel their way across the neighborhood's geography.

"Every piece on this wall was handmade, using exterior-grade quality materials. And it was all touched by hand," Richter explained. The artist emphasized that while she doesn't consider herself an accessibility expert, she was motivated to push boundaries in public art. "I'm not an expert in accessibility. I'm just an artist who really wanted to try to push the needle a little bit, at least regionally, on how we accommodate other people in the public art realm," she said.

While the mural was specifically designed with blind and visually impaired community members in mind, Richter stressed that the installation serves a much broader audience. The tactile experience benefits anyone who is sensory-seeking, including members of the autism community and others who engage with their environment through touch. "It's going to be relatable and enjoyable by anyone who's sensory seeking, whether that's the autism community or, you know, so there's a bigger audience than just the blind or visually impaired community. This is for the entire community," Richter noted.

The completed mural will officially be unveiled to the public on October 10, marking the culmination of the five-year collaborative effort. To enhance the experience further, the installation will feature an accompanying online audio guide, providing additional context and information about the depicted landmarks. This innovative approach to public art represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive community spaces that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities, transforming how neighborhoods can celebrate and share their local heritage through accessible artistic expression.