Reynoldsburg history in art
 
By: Karly P. and Bailey S. Have you ever seen the painting on the side of the Cotner Funeral Home building in downtown Reynoldsburg? isn’t it beautiful? But do you ever wonder what everything in the painting means or the story behind this unique piece of Reynoldsburg art? Curtis Goldstein was the person who painted the amazing mural. He was born in 1966 in Columbus, Ohio and he received his BFA from The Ohio State University, BFA means a bachelor degree in the fine arts. As an artist he says, “I draw inspiration from my personal surroundings, for example, my city, my community and the places I visit.” Curtis started painting the mural September 12, 2009. The mural includes portraits including: Alexander Livingston and the tomato plant, Hannah Ashton, the city’s military history (Reynoldsburg Veterans), the Underground Railroad and the Reynoldsburg Union Academy. Alexander Livingston is famous for upgrading the tomato, developing different breeds of it and stabilizing the plant. Hannah Ashton Middle School is named after Hannah Ashton for all of the significance she gave to it. Reynoldsburg was founded in 1839 by James Reynolds. He was a Brigadier General in the Ohio Military. The Underground Railroad ran through Reynoldsburg between 1840 and 1865. Curtis painted this so we can remember all of the history that happened in Reynoldsburg and it’s commitment in education and the military. So, the next time you see the mural, you might recognize some of the elements of the painting and think about all of the meaning that’s in it because it’s not just a regular painting.

The City’s Military History

The Underground Railroad and the Tomato Plant

Alexander Livingston’s house

A map of Reynoldsburg

Hannah Ashton and Hannah Ashton Middle School