The Born & Bred Studio is our creative home in Shinnston, WV. Here we film live performances, record podcasts, produce artist features, and create the content that powers Born & Bred Music. It’s a space built for collaboration, storytelling, and celebrating the musicians who shape West Virginia’s music scene.
Contact us about hosting your event at our space by emailing us at blackandtealconcepts@gmail.com
Born & Bred Announces New Public Mural at Robinson Court & Pike Street Studio
A new chapter in Shinnston’s creative landscape is emerging in the alley beside our Born & Bred studio at Robinson Court and Pike Street. This fall, we’re proud to unveil a large‑scale mural honoring the past, present, and future of West Virginia music — a visual celebration of the artists who shaped our heritage, the musicians carrying the torch today, and the voices rising to define tomorrow’s sound.
The mural is scheduled for completion in October and will become a permanent landmark in the city’s growing arts corridor.
About the Artist:, Ed Mac
The mural is being created by Ed McMillan, widely known as “Ed Mac” – a multifaceted artist based in Shinnston, WV. While many recognize his tattoo work at Pike Street Tattoo in Bridgeport, Ed’s creative reach extends far beyond the needle. He is an accomplished painter, illustrator, and muralist whose work appears across north central West Virginia.
Ed’s artistic fingerprints are already woven into Born & Bred’s story. He illustrated the artwork featured throughout our Born & Bred: Heritage & Legacy book, and several of his original pieces hang inside our studio. His ability to blend regional identity, musical culture, and expressive visual storytelling makes him the perfect artist to bring this mural to life.
Beyond the visual arts, Ed is also a dedicated musician. He is the drummer and a songwriter for the Orlando‑based ska band Fat Timmy and drummer for Shinnston’s own A.M. Benson & The Stations. His connection to music adds a deeper resonance to a project centered on West Virginia’s musical lineage.
About the Mural
The mural will spotlight musicians who represent the continuum of West Virginia music — honoring legends who paved the way, uplifting the artists shaping the present, and highlighting emerging talent that will carry our cultural narrative forward. It’s designed not only as a work of art, but as a living reminder that West Virginia’s music is diverse, evolving, and rooted in community.
Collaborative Funding
This project is made possible through the generosity and vision of Debbie Cantrell, who established a private grant to support improvements throughout Shinnston. Her commitment to investing in local culture continues to spark meaningful growth in our community.
We also extend our sincere thanks to The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County, who graciously managed the funds and helped bring this mural from concept to reality. Their stewardship ensures that public art, and the stories it preserves, remain accessible to everyone.
