New mural part of East Prairie's downtown revitalization process

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. -- Motorists and those strolling through downtown East Prairie have spent the last week admiring the newly installed 8-foot by 20-foot mural depicting what residents say is the true essence of their town.

Lifelong East Prairie resident Lisa Brown said when she first saw the mural, she cried.

"I had just left work and my daughter was (in her car) a couple of cars in front of me, and we were on the phone with each other. She said: 'Oh my gosh.' I looked up and I felt the same way," Brown recalled. "It's so large and eye-catching."

Painted by Craig Thomas of Cape Girardeau, the mural has an "East Prairie festivals" theme and features Sweet Corn/Fourth of July, Tour de Corn, Homecoming and Country Christmas.

Prominently displayed on Carlin and Susan Bennett's building at the corner of Washington and Main streets, the mural also includes the Main Street skyline with the old tin man water tower in the background. The Cottonbelt Caboose -- the last reminder of the trains that used to run through the town -- and the Mary F. Moore gazebo are also included in the mural.

A community dedication program has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the mural site.

The mural is a joint project of Tour de Corn and Downtown Revitalization Committee with donations from memorial gifts, local businesses and individuals.

"The idea of the mural came up about five years ago, and we didn't have a set idea of what we were going to portray and had several sites in mind," said Silvey Barker, who was part of the initial Downtown Revitalization Committee.

The committee looked at different murals in the area, made a list of contacts and started putting money aside with a mural in mind. Ultimately, Barker was put in touch with Thomas, who gave the Downtown Revitalization Committee a bid for the project.

"Then we started looking at choosing what we wanted to promote. It was discussed to do one on the festivals and things in East Prairie today and that was how the theme was chosen," Barker said.

The committee met with Thomas, who picked one of the three sites the city received permission from to put the mural on their buildings.

"Rather than painting on the surface of a building, we chose to go with panels. That way, if we ever need to move them or change sites, it can be taken down and put back up," Barker said.

Thomas said it's difficult to say how long it took to complete the mural because he worked on it in his spare time.

"We started in the winter and maybe made contact in the fall and so it's really tough for me to give a time," Thomas said.

The freelance artist said he used MDO board, which is basically plywood with a smooth membrane over it. He also used two to three coats of primer and acrylic paint. Then he painted two coats of a clear ultraviolet protectant.

When putting up the mural on Sept. 1, Barker said there was nothing but positive feedback from passersby.

"People would drive by and lift up a thumb or roll down a window and yell: 'Oh, it's gorgeous!'" Barker said.

Lonnie Thurmond, city administrator, agreed.

"There has been a lot of people slowing down and taking a close look at it," said Thurmond.

Of course, the mural is one of many projects of the Downtown Revitalization Committee.

"We're still in the process," Barker said. "We are continuing with fundraisers, and we do get memorial contributions and donations. Every penny we make goes back into a project to help the community."

In the meantime, the citizens of East Prairie will continue to enjoy the town's newest piece of art.

"Anytime you add an attraction or some sort of improvement to your community, it does stir the people and makes them smile," Thurmond said. "It brings back memories and makes you feel good. ... It makes everybody want to do a little better and be more friendly."