Fairfax City Economic Development Supports Creative Placemaking with New Mural in Old Town Fairfax

FAIRFAX CITY, Va., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) will unveil "Fox in the Flowers," a new public art mural located at 10407 Main Street in Old Town Fairfax City on July 10 at 2 p.m. during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Designed by Bailey Sullivan, a Richmond-based illustrator known for her bold, floral-inspired artworks, the mural brings color, character, and a strengthened sense of place to the heart of the city.

Commissioned as part of FCED's expanded focus on placemaking and tourism efforts, Fox in the Flowers celebrates the community's rich local identity. Situated on the second-story façade of Marlowe Ink Tattoo, above Senberry, the vibrant artwork features native flora, including crepe myrtles and dogwoods, surrounding the centerpiece, Fairfax City's unofficial mascot, the Fairfax Fox. The fox, a playful and symbolic figure, serves as a nod to the city's charm, history, and welcoming spirit.

"My work is inspired by decorative European folk art," said Sullivan. "I love including lots of florals, animals, and other bits of nature. For this mural in particular, I was inspired by the fable of the fox and the crow. I'm honored to be able to paint in beautiful Old Town Fairfax and hope this piece sparks a little joy for those passing by." Sullivan's work has been featured in a range of prominent media, including book covers, U.S. postage stamps, and even the recently released autobiography of Dolly Parton.

"This mural is more than a work of art—it's a vibrant expression of what makes Old Town Fairfax unique," said Tina Disch, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association. "Creative placemaking like this transforms our downtown into a welcoming, walkable destination where art, history, and community intersect."

"This mural represents the first of many projects stemming from Fairfax City Economic Development's expanded focus on tourism," said Christopher Bruno, CEO and director of Fairfax City Economic Development. "Public art is more than just a creative feature; it's an investment that shapes how people experience Old Town and why they choose to visit, explore, and stay here."

The project is a collaboration between FCED, the City of Fairfax Cultural Arts, and the Commission on the Arts and aligns with the city's broader placemaking and tourism goals. By investing in creative initiatives like Fox in the Flowers, Fairfax City invites residents and visitors alike to experience the area's growing arts scene and vibrant local culture.

The public is encouraged to visit the new mural at 10407 Main Street and explore other art installations throughout Old Town Fairfax. For details on this and other public art projects in Fairfax City, visit gofairfaxcity.com/walkingmap/artwork.

About Fairfax City Economic Development
Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at gofairfaxcity.com.

SOURCE Fairfax City Economic Development