Covington Unveils Mural Honoring Pioneering Drag Performer Terry Noel
ArtsWave Pride, a donor affinity group within ArtsWave, is dedicating its first-ever commissioned mural in Covington, Kentucky. The mural, titled “Every Day of Living Is a Gift,” is located on the back of Madison Design on Madison Avenue. This artwork honors the life of Terry Noel, a Kentucky native and trans/drag performer who was active in the 1950s and 1960s. The commission also marks the 10th anniversary of ArtsWave Pride's mission to unite LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies in the Tri-State region to support the arts. A public celebration is scheduled at Madison Design on November 4, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will include mingling, statements from project participants including artist Emil Wiersma, tours of Madison Design, and a historical presentation by Jacob Hogue, author of “Cincinnati Before Stonewall,” who will discuss Noel’s life and the mural's inspiration. The event is open to the public.
