By Nicole Pelino, Area Manager for Kusum Hospitality and Holiday Inn Express Edmond
Step into the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express (3840 E. 2nd Street in Edmond), and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a mural that’s bursting with color, spirit, and local pride. This isn’t just another piece of hotel art—it’s an invitation to discover Oklahoma the moment you arrive, courtesy of a bold new vision brought to life on the lobby walls.
“We wanted to create something that would make our guests feel connected to Oklahoma the moment they walked through the doors,” says Nicole Pelino, Area Manager for Holiday Inn Express. Since many visitors are from out of town, the hotel team felt a mural could offer a warm welcome—and a true sense of place—that represents Edmond, Oklahoma City, and the state as a whole.
The creative spark for the mural came from a desire to bring a little bit of Oklahoma indoors. With vibrant strokes and dynamic imagery, the artwork features several iconic elements that tell the story of the Sooner State: the Oklahoma City skyline rising proudly, a majestic bison reflecting Oklahoma’s rich heritage and Western roots, and the state bird soaring across a panoramic scene. Designed with bold colors and larger-than-life proportions, the mural radiates energy and leaves guests with a lasting impression.
But this mural does more than decorate the lobby—it gives the hotel its own unique personality. Instead of the usual generic artwork, guests are greeted by a masterpiece that instantly says, “You’re in Oklahoma.” For the staff, it’s a source of pride. For travelers, it’s a memorable photo spot and a conversation starter.
Guests and associates alike have embraced the mural. It’s not uncommon to see visitors, especially first-timers to Oklahoma City, pausing to snap photos with the mural in the background. The artwork captures the hospitality and vibrant spirit that the hotel wants people to experience—a little Oklahoma pride, a taste of local history, and a whole lot of lively color.
Ultimately, the mural does more than beautify a wall—it tells the story of Edmond and Oklahoma, celebrates what makes the community special, and creates an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through the doors.
The vision was brought to life by local Edmond artist Chris Cargill, who designed and painted the mural entitled, “Where Oklahoma’s Spirit Takes Flight, Adventure Meets the Heart of the Sooner State.” With every brushstroke, Cargill’s work invites guests to become part of Oklahoma’s adventure—from the moment they arrive. See more of Cargill’s work at https://www.chriscargill.com/.
So, next time you’re in Edmond, step inside the Holiday Inn Express and let the mural greet you. You’ll know you’re somewhere special—where Oklahoma’s heart and history shine, and every stay begins with a splash of color and a warm welcome.
Project Funding:
The Edmond Visual Arts Commission did not contribute funds for this mural; it was privately funded by the Holiday Inn Express property.