Floodwall mural celebrates 10th anniversary

The Mississippi River Tales floodwall mural may have celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, but those who came together to design, sponsor and paint the mural recall bringing it to life as if it were yesterday.

A group of about 50 people gathered around a tent in the parking lot at Water and Themis streets Thursday afternoon, facing the mural itself, as city leaders and mural advocates gave brief speeches about the project that quickly became part of Cape Girardeau's identity.

"I can't imagine a blank wall back here, can you?" Old Town Cape board of directors president Donna Denson asked the crowd.

The River Heritage Mural Association has been under the umbrella of Old Town Cape since 2009. It also handles the care, maintenance and preservation of the mural.

Prior to that merger, Tim Blattner served as the mural association's president.

Tom Melvin, the Chicago muralist and lead artist behind the Mississippi River Tales mural, talks to the crowd at the event to commemorate the floodwall mural's 10th anniversary Thursday. (Glenn Landberg)

Mayor Harry Rediger told those attending the event Blattner was one of the biggest and earliest advocates of the mural. He still remembers receiving the call from Blattner more than 10 years ago asking for his support.

Now, the mayor hopes to inspire others to revive mural efforts around the city.

Since Blattner left town for New Jersey, where his wife was offered a university president job, Rediger said the mural association has been "dormant." He called for city leaders, the chamber of commerce, Old Town Cape, members of the art community and the public to come together in support of additional murals.

"There's plenty of space for murals," he said.

Blattner recalled how difficult it was to make the idea for a floodwall mural a reality.

It was a seven-year project, he said, and the group decided from the beginning "we were not going to do it unless we did it right."

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome was funding. Blattner thanked Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO John Mehner and former U.S. representative Jo Ann Emerson -- whose late husband is depicted on the mural -- for their assistance in funding the $300,000 project.

Emerson, who was not in attendance Thursday, helped secure $175,000 in federal funds.

"That earned us a spot in Reader's Digest, which suggested the money was poorly spent. I believe they called it 'pork' or something," Blattner said, drawing a few laughs from the crowd. "But that's simply untrue."

He said the mural was a good investment and has inspired others to take on projects of their own. Rediger and Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Chuck Martin both noted how often they see visitors strolling along the wall or reading the interpretive boards to learn more about the images painted there.

New interpretive boards, purchased with a $2,500 Missouri Humanities Council grant, were installed this week.

Twenty-six boards, each redesigned and featuring more text than the old ones, were printed. Martin said they give a fresh look to the mural.

Tom Melvin, a Chicago muralist, was the lead artist on the River Tales mural. He said when his team of artists came to Cape Girardeau, they were welcomed by "many fine folks," some of whom can be found on the mural.

The crew spent a considerable amount of time at Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant and Lounge and quickly got to know owner Doc Cain.

He can be found on the panel directly across from the restaurant depicting a visit from President Howard Taft, as the man in the foreground holding the cigar.

Melvin is featured, too, although he's standing on a ladder with his back to the viewer.

Melvin's wife, Nancy, local mural supporter and mural association board member Don Greenwood and various members of Melvin's team of artists also are among those whose faces can be found along the wall.

After the commemoration, the artists, board members, donors and other supporters again returned to Port Cape to catch up and swap a few more mural stories.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Water Street and Themis Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.