Downtown Bainbridge has received a new artistic touch in recent days. Circular signs with scenes from downtown Bainbridge have been placed on light poles throughout the area. The signs were designed by Nikki Rich of Rich Designs and include paintings done by local artist Ashley Long.

There are three separate designs that can be found throughout the downtown area. One shows the train trestle over the Flint River, another shows the courthouse and the third design includes a painting of the historic Ginkgo tree across from Reeves in Willis Park. All three are reprints of Long’s original oil paintings.

Rich said Amanda Glover of the Downtown Development Authority originally approached her to make new banners for the light poles. After looking at different ideas they decided to make circular signs to “sandwich” the light poles because they will last longer and because it allowed them to show off local art.

“They have talked about promoting local artists more in downtown Bainbridge,” Rich said. “I knew Ashley had all these great paintings of downtown.”

Long, who works as the resident artist at Maiden South, submitted seven or eight pictures he said and these three were chosen.