Mark Anthony Mulligan is Louisville, Kentucky’s preeminent Outsider Artist. Known by many for his big smile and enthusiastic waves from the TARC bus benches along Bardstown Road (and beyond), Mulligan was also a highly prolific visual artist and songwriter. In the course of his life, he created thousands of artworks and hundreds of songs. A true tally of his creative output could never be determined, for the artist gave away, sold, or simply discarded many of his artworks on the streets of Louisville. 

His visual art is iconic for its lively, vibrant cityscapes. With an obsessive attention to detail and exhaustive knowledge of Louisville’s geography, Mulligan’s scenes portray places both real and imagined, references to friends and frequented local businesses, and an affinity for corporate logos and shop signs. His songwriting focuses on similar themes. Mulligan was a frequenter of open mic nights, performing his signature a cappella renditions in a country music style. 

Despite the challenges of mental illness and frequent houselessness, Mark had an infectious warmth and cheerfulness and a singular vision of the world around him. He had a deep love for Louisville, Kentucky. He passed away November 28, 2022 at the age of 59.