HARRISONBURG, VA – A new downtown mural by Harrisonburg-based artist Tyler Kauffman will be dedicated Friday, March 14 during a 4:30 to 5:45 pm reception hosted by Riner Rentals. The event, open to the public, will take place inside Arts Council of the Valley’s Smith House Galleries, 311 South Main St, Harrisonburg, and will feature an Artist Talk and light refreshments.

Riner Rentals commissioned the new public artwork last year. “We have been thrilled to work with Tyler Kauffman to bring his concept of ‘Uplift’ to life at 265 Liberty Street,” owner Paul Riner said in a news release. “We wanted to do something unique: putting public art on the front of an occupied rental unit in plain view for the community to enjoy,” Riner explained.

“Tyler took on the challenge, interpreted the building as a part of his design, and what he created is incredible,” Riner added. “We hope his work will be a fun and meaningful addition to Harrisonburg for many years to come, and that residents and visitors alike will enjoy it far into the future.”

“Riner Rentals celebrated 25 years of serving our neighbors in 2024,” he continued, “and ‘Uplift’ seemed like the perfect love letter to the City and County we love!”

Kauffman holds an undergraduate degree in fine art with a concentration in painting from Eastern Mennonite University. He has completed several Harrisonburg murals in recent years.