It's taken about a week, but the first part of the Nation's mural has been completed. It's caused many to ask who the man pictured in the mural is.
"I try and find images that represent the community through working with people, speaking with people," said Guido van Helten.
Telling a story with every stroke. Literally painting the picture of what's now known in Nashville as The Nations.
"It means a lot to this community, so I feel obligated to do the best thing I can do," said van Helten.
Guido van Helten has painted his stories through the eyes of the community, but before he has ever picked up his brush, he's explored the neighborhood to find the true heart of the community.
"Everyone pointed me in the direction of Saint Luke's," said van Helten.
Saint Luke's has been an organization that has helped low income families and seniors in Nashville, and that's how he met Mr. Lee Estes.
"He sure done a marvelous job. He got every crease and crevice perfect," said Estes.
At 91 years old, Estes has seen Nashville grow into the "It City" and was here long before all the bright lights.
"In my days coming up this was more of the country you might say," said Estes.
The mural has been telling the story about the different generations, and Estes has been helping to tell that story.
"We had electricity but no modern plug-in conveniences. We had an ice box for refrigeration," said Estes.
Giving back to the community has been something Estes has always done, now the community has given back to him.
And when asked if Estes has planned on leaving The Nations anytime soon, the answer was no. He could never find another place quite like The Nations to call home.
"I'm too satisfied where I am. Hope to be able to live there the rest of my life, which will hopefully be a few more years," said Estes.
