HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Saturday morning, twins Cheyenne Kimerer and Ciara Graziani with TwinRock and local artist Brad De La Torre were putting the finishing touches on a public mural that honors the memory of a well-known community figure who was lovingly referred to as Bird Dog. The mural is now displayed downtown on the side of Hopkinsville Brewing Co. with a lifelike portrait and artistic flair.
“I hope Bird Dog was smiling down on me while I was painting his face,” Torre told Christian County Now. He was asked by TwinRock to paint the portrait section of the mural which shows Bird Dog on his famous lawnmower. “I miss him and I hope everybody enjoys the hard work the twins have put into this mural.”
Known for driving around the city on a mower, 75-year-old Charles Steven Paige, a.k.a. Bird Dog, passed away in August. Beloved in the community he often entertained people and promoted events with his famous barks, even inspiring local restaurant menu items and merch. To honor his local legacy after his death, community members packed DeBow Recreation Complex on Aug. 9 for an honorary mower ride through downtown Hopkinsville.
“He was an incredible person, his jokes and laughter brought smiles to many,” Torre added, saying that he often spoke with Bird Dog while playing pool in town and he always encouraged him to look at the bright side in life. He added, “At one point we even spoke on the topic of painting a mural of him, I said that if I ever got the chance, I would be honored. He made us smile so much.”
How the mural came to be
Cheyenne and Ciara recently started their creative arts company TwinRock that aims to support the community and local businesses through art. Having lived apart for several years, the sisters were recently reunited due to their spouses connections at Fort Campbell, and they dove right into the art scene.
Since launching just two months ago, they have already worked with local businesses to facilitate murals and other works of art in the area. Once they heard stories about Bird Dog, they decided to tackle the project and found the perfect canvas at HBC.
The sisters first refreshed the external wall outside of the brewery with a coat of paint and worked hard to add floral flourishes, birds and a memorial. The pair then connected with a Torre to finish out the piece with the portrait.
During the painting process, they said their favorite part was seeing how many community members are already excited about it. Since the mural is facing Main Street traffic, it is already getting a lot of attention, “We just like how happy it’s making everyone.”
An official unveiling with the community is planned for Oct. 18, and the mural can be seen at 102 East Fifth Street.
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