The 2025 2BUCK Invitational augmented Louisville’s urban canvas into an even bigger gallery of color, collaboration, and general good feels. Over three days (Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7), more than 100 local, national, and international artists converged, not only at hipster-prone Logan Street Market but beyond OMG all the way to the west end 22nd St +, to paint murals that bled with creativity and community spirit. It was awesome.
Here it is in gallery form mostly for Saturday and Sunday. I wish I had been more prepared to capture everything. If you have anything to contribute to this story, we’d be so happy to add to it. email – info@kentuckiana.net
TODO: Find out what went down in the Highlands and go back to photograph finished pieces at the West End Compound. Check back for these!
Saturday. It gets real.
Logan Street Area
West End Compound
Sunday. It gets unreal.
Logan Area & Broadway – Brill Glass Company ++
So who the F*ck is 2Buck?
Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/2bukforever/
Jonathan “2Buck” Brown
Full Name: Jonathan Brown
Tag: 2Buck
Birth–Death: May 25, 1988 – November 23, 2015, Louisville, KY → Puerto Rico
Local Roots & Graffiti Legacy
Born and raised in Louisville, Jon “2Buck” Brown developed a reputation for tackling daring, large-scale graffiti often in places most artists wouldn’t. His work spanned not just Louisville but also Detroit and New York, eventually taking him on international mural journeys.
Passing & Circumstances
In November 2015, at just 27 years old, he was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while fleeing authorities during a painting session.
Community Response
Jon’s death triggered a visceral outpouring. Graffiti tributes featuring his 2Buck tag appeared across Louisville, embraced by many as signs of respect and remembrance . In December 2015, an art memorial and show, hosted by friends and local supporters like Spinelli’s Pizzeria and Identity Customs raised $17,000 to help repatriate his body. Featured contributions from prominent graffiti artists like Ewok, Cope, Coupe, and Brrr.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
2Buck’s fearless, gravity-defying murals set a high bar in Louisville’s graffiti culture. Fellow artists credited him with shaping the local scene and inspiring a generation to aim higher, both in scale and ambition.
Event in His Honor
The annual “All-City Art Event,” which Jon helped co-found in 2012, was renamed the 2BUCK Invitational in 2016 enshrining his spirit in a tradition that continues to unite artists and communities across Louisville.
For even more information about this years event visit https://2buckinvitational.com/
The official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2buckinvitational/?hl=en
Gallery 2801 Afterparty – Art Sale
2801 Gallery had original pieces from some of the most famous artists ranging from $100 – $3000
Gallery Site: https://www.facebook.com/p/2801-Gallery-Lou-61572970659651/
Gallery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2801_gallery_lou/
Explore the event locations
Post Event Additions to Coverage
Trellis Brewing Area
Tags Tags Tags. The dumpsters might get stolen and parted out as gallery pieces!
