Downtown Cornelia is receiving a splash of vibrant color and a fresh dose of artistic energy: the renowned muralist Cheyenne Renee has touched down to paint her 37th mural, right here in Cornelia, as part of her ambitious nationwide initiative, the 50 in 50 Project — a goal to create 50 murals in 50 states.
Watch the Habersham News Interview with Cheyenne Renée
The Artist & The Mission
From her hometown of Covington, Virginia, Cheyenne Renee has set out on a mission:
“I’m really interested in learning more about economic development and tourism in small communities … highlighting small towns and communities in each state.”
With the 50 in 50 project, each mural is not just decoration — it’s a statement of place, identity, and community pride. Her website states the ambition clearly: “On a mission to paint 50 murals in 50 states by the end of 2025.”
While Cheyenne’s exact design details for the Cornelia piece are still being unveiled, here’s what we do know and can anticipate:
The mural will sit prominently on the wall adjacent to Cornelia Pharmacy — a new visual landmark.
It will incorporate local motifs: The Chenocetah Tower, the Cornelia Depot, and Lake Russell.
To choose what appeared in the mural, Ms. Renée worked collaborated with the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, along City of Cornelia Mayor John Borrow and City Manager Donald Anderson.
The timing places Cornelia among the later stops in her national journey — suggesting the town’s readiness and enthusiasm for such a big mural.
What to Look For
When you visit the new mural, keep an eye out for:
Interactive elements — many of Cheyenne’s works invite photo-ops, pose-spots, or social-media sharing.
Local symbolism — look for features that tie to Habersham County history, nature, downtown architecture or community identity.
A dedication or unveiling event — Cheyenne often marks the completion of a mural with a public gathering.
What This Means for Cornelia & Habersham County
Destination appeal: A large mural boosts downtown foot traffic, adds to Cornelia’s visual charm, and becomes another reason for people to stop, explore and linger.
Economic benefits: Public art can draw visitors, encourage photos/sharing on social media, and highlight local businesses — especially in smaller towns.
Community pride: Having a nationally-recognized artist choose Cornelia adds a bit of spotlight and can galvanize local pride for downtown and its surroundings.
Art & culture momentum: This mural can catalyze further public art efforts — more walls, more projects, more visibility for local creatives.
What’s Next & How the Community Can Participate
Mark your calendar: keep an eye out for a formal unveiling event — perhaps at the mural site.
Visit the mural once it’s complete; consider sharing photos on your social media using a local hashtag (e.g., #CorneliaGA #HabershamArt) to spread the word.
Observe the design: look for your favorite downtown spot, or local landmark depicted in the mural — it might spark conversation and connection.
Cheyenne Renee’s arrival in Cornelia for mural #37 is more than just fresh paint on a wall — it reflects opportunity, community collaboration, and a recognition of what small-town America has to offer. As she continues her path toward completing 50 murals in 50 states, Cornelia becomes part of a national dialogue about art, place and identity.
