CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — A splash of color and creativity now brightens Kentucky’s winter roadways, thanks to Martin County High School’s advanced art class.

Under the direction of art teacher Elizabeth Traylor, the students transformed a 12-foot-by-4-foot snowplow blade into a striking mural for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s “Paint the Plow” program. This initiative encourages school pride while reminding motorists to drive safely during the snow and ice season.

Now in its third year, the program challenges high school art classes to turn ordinary plow blades into rolling works of public art.

Martin County’s design delivers a clear warning with local flair: “GO SLOW ON SNOWY ROADS.” On one end of the blade, the school’s beloved mascot — “Big Red” the Cardinal — takes on a frosty new look as a snowman proudly holding a “SLOW” sign. On the opposite end, a deer stands alert in the snow, reinforcing the need for caution on rural roads.

From sketch to final brushstroke, the students poured their creativity and teamwork into the project, racing the clock and the weather to complete their masterpiece before the KYTC deadline.