Off The Wall: Fairfield's Public Art Tour
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Artist/Project: @your.art.here.ff
This colorful mural turns an ordinary building wall into a bold piece of public art. Its large-scale design invites you to stop, look closer, and appreciate the way traditional craft can take on a whole new life in the public realm.
Venture to the alley wall of the former Top of the Rock Grille at 113 W. Broadway Ave., this unexpected piece of street art pairs an angel with a wonderfully colorful, almost fantastical rooster. Set against the weathered texture of the building, the mural has an otherworldly quality that makes this tucked-away corner worth seeking out.
Barhydt Chapel stained glass is located inside the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center at 200 N. Main St.. The Barhydt Chapel stained glass offers a beautiful surprise for art lovers. The handcrafted panels fill the space with intricate patterns, luminous color, and a quiet sense of reflection. But there’s a twist: you don’t have to go inside to appreciate them. Especially after dark, the stained glass glows from within, transforming the windows into a colorful work of art that can be beautifully viewed from the street.
Curious tip: For one of the most striking views, stop by after sunset and see the stained glass illuminated against the night.
Hours: Administrative offices are open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Ticket Office is open Tuesday–Friday, 12–5 p.m., and two hours before performances. Hours and access may vary during events.
by Jenny Sammons
The Bloom & Grow Mural transforms Fairfield's 2nd Street railroad underpass into a vibrant gateway celebrating the community's past, present, and future. Created by local artist Jenny Sammons with the help of dedicated volunteers, the mural features whimsical, storybook-inspired artwork highlighting many of Fairfield's most recognizable landmarks. Travelers entering town are welcomed by a nighttime cityscape featuring the Jefferson County Courthouse, gazebo, Carnegie Museum, McElhinny House, and the iconic B Street water tower, while those leaving town are treated to a sunny rural landscape showcasing the Maasdam Barn, Bonnifield Cabin, grain elevator, and an antique train.
Three years in the making, the project reflects the perseverance and spirit of the Fairfield community. From navigating multiple approvals to overcoming weather challenges, countless volunteers and local businesses came together to bring the vision to life. More than a work of public art, the Bloom & Grow Mural is a colorful tribute to the people, places, and landscapes that make Fairfield unique, inviting visitors to pause, explore, and discover the stories woven into every painted detail.
The Fairfield Landmarks Mural on the west side of Thai Deli is a vibrant celebration of the community, created by Fairfield High School students with support from local volunteers and Leadership Fairfield. The mural features two colorful panels showcasing some of the city's most recognizable sights, including the Jefferson County Courthouse clock tower, the Ron Prill Bandstand, Fairfield's downtown skyline, and the natural beauty of Pleasant Lake. A vintage red car, inspired by Fairfield's Collector Cars Unlimited Car Show, ties the scenes together, while the endangered Spring Blue-Eyed Mary flower honors the unique ecology of Jefferson County.
What makes this mural especially meaningful is the story behind it. Designed by student artist Charlie McKerley and painted by members of the Fairfield High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), the project grew from a simple community brainstorming session into a lasting piece of public art. It stands as a testament to Fairfield's creative spirit, youth leadership, and the power of collaboration, making it a must-see stop while exploring downtown.
By John Stimson
This striking mural blends realism and abstraction to celebrate Fairfield’s ever-evolving story. Stimson layers historic references and modern color, suggesting that every passerby — and every brushstroke — is part of Fairfield’s ongoing creative legacy. Alley off Court St.
by Chris Bennett
Joy in motion! Located in front of the Carnegie Museum, this life-size bronze by Chris Bennett immortalizes the energy of childhood play. Three children leap, crouch, and laugh mid-game, embodying the community’s sense of fun and connection. A favorite photo stop for visitors.
by Chris Bennett
Known as “Mr. Fairfield,” Lee T. Gobble devoted his life to preserving local heritage — most famously the courthouse clock tower. This life-size bronze sculpture captures Gobble mid-gesture, proudly presenting that restored tower. Behind him, a colorful ceramic mural of ties fans out like a turkey’s tail, echoing his signature style and the civic pride he inspired in generations of Fairfieldians.
Where history, architecture, and public art meet, the Louden Bridge carries Fairfield’s industrial heritage across the BNSF Trail. Renamed in 2013 to honor the Louden Machinery Company, the bridge’s design draws inspiration from the timber framework of locally designed Louden barns and the wooden railroad trestles of an earlier era.
Look closely inside the bridge and you’ll find 171 ceramic tiles, designed and glazed by Fairfield High School advanced art students in collaboration with artist Judy Bales and art teacher Mark Shafer. Arranged in sets of three, the tiles feature imagery drawn from Louden barn blueprints and machinery catalogs, from recognizable barns and livestock to wonderfully abstract mechanical details.
The result is a distinctive piece of public art that connects Fairfield’s agricultural, industrial, railroad, and artistic history in one unexpected place.
Description adapted from information provided by artist Judy Bales.
by Katlynne Hummell Underhill
The mural Highlights the draft horse heritage of the barns and includes the country’s national bird, the American bald eagle, as well as the official state bird of Iowa, the goldfinch. It also contains Black-eyed Susans, and tulips as a nod to the Maasdam family’s Dutch heritage.
by Dale Divoky
This sculptural centerpiece of Petra Park celebrates both motion and memory. Crafted from wood and metal, its sweeping form recalls the oak leaves that once defined Fairfield’s original landscape and honors Petra Stanley’s own love of dance. Each curve seems to twirl in the breeze, reminding visitors that art, like nature, never stands still.
Street artists with a playful touch have placed this mural of Oscar the Grouch in the most appropriate place; near his trashy treasures, popping out of his iconic garbage can. Maybe, if you hang out long enough, you can help put a smile on his face.
by Karla Christensen
Enjoy these delightful gems along the Heritage alleyway. This collection is expected to grow so come back soon!
by Karla Christensen
This cheerful mosaic bursts with golden sunflowers fashioned from broken plates and recycled glass. Set along Heritage Alley, it’s a vibrant reminder that art and optimism can thrive anywhere sunlight touches.
by Karla Christensen
In this companion piece to Winter Garden, delicate teacups and china fragments are reborn as a sweeping floral landscape. “Tea and Scenery” invites viewers to pause for a moment of calm, perhaps over a warm cup of cocoa and appreciate how beauty often hides in the broken bits.
by John Schirmer
Painted with house paint on signboard, “The Naturalist” captures all the whimsy and wonder of the natural world. Can you count the number of different species in this piece? Our naturalist can certainly attest that "it's a jungle out there"!
by Eleanor Yates
Bold and colorful, this large acrylic mural stretches across stone depicting several children putting together a puzzle of Fairfield. Yates’ work celebrates diversity and unity as she was assisted by several Fairfield artists. It’s a fitting metaphor for Fairfield’s creative community, where every artist adds to the picture.
by Melanny Hirshberg
A traditional quilt pattern takes on a whole new scale on the side of Green Building Supply. This striking mural transforms the familiar Star quilt pattern into a large-scale work of public art, bringing the geometry, craftsmanship, and visual rhythm of quilting into Fairfield’s streetscape.
Painted on Baltic birch plywood, the mural was created by artist Melanny Hirshberg. It’s a wonderful example of how a traditional American craft can be reimagined in an unexpected place and at an unexpected scale.
by Chris Bennett
Seated in thoughtful conversation, pioneer William Henry Coop and a young boy represent the bridge between past and present. This 1981 bronze sculpture honors Coop — the first settler child born in Jefferson County — and captures a timeless scene of mentorship, wisdom, and community continuity.
by Karla Christensen
A burst of cool-toned beauty, “Winter Garden” transforms recycled dishware and glass into a 10-by-6-foot mosaic alive with pattern and sparkle. Each piece, once ordinary, finds new purpose in this luminous artwork that celebrates renewal, sustainability, and creativity blooming even in the quiet seasons. Located on South Wall of India Treats.