ArtsWave Pride’s new mural in Covington is a gift for future generations

In a 2006 interview, prominent drag/trans performer Terry Noel was asked, “What does the future hold for Ms. Noel?” She replied, “Well, Ms. Noel is now of a certain age where every day of living is a gift!”

Those words serve as inspiration for the first mural commissioned by ArtsWave Pride: “Every Day of Living is a Gift.” That mural, located at Madison Design in Covington, is now complete.

The mural marks ArtsWave Pride’s 10th anniversary and is an investment in what future generations will inherit: public spaces where LGBTQIA+ stories are visible and a sense of belonging can take root. It honors Terry Noel, a Kentucky native, who performed in the 1950s and 1960s, building an enduring connection to LGBTQIA+ history in Northern Kentucky. By bringing that history into Covington’s streetscape, the work gives younger generations an opportunity to imagine the contributions they can make.

“Creative placemaking is about shaping places that reflect who we are and where we’re going,” said Rachael Parker, director of Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking at ArtsWave. “Projects like this build on the momentum in Northern Kentucky, using art to strengthen identity, activate public space and create a sense of belonging.”

Enodia Studio and designer Emil Wiersma brought this project to life, with Madison Design sharing their space as a canvas. Jacob Hogue, founder of Queen City Queer History Tours, led Queer History lessons at the dedication ceremony, including Noel’s story and the inspiration behind the mural.