Murals on floodwall complete; artist goes

Mural artist Thomas Melvin has stepped back, taken a long look at his work and declared himself satisfied. The Mississippi River Tales murals, the 24 panels he was commissioned to paint on the Cape Girardeau floodwall, are finished.

"It's always a bit of a surprise to be able to bring yourself to say it is done," Melvin said. "At a certain point you have to say so."

Melvin spent Monday tying up loose ends, saying his goodbyes and clearing up the evidence of having spent the last year or so in Cape Girardeau either painting the floodwall or getting ready to. This morning he begins the long drive back to Chicago, taking with him some memories of his stay.

"I met some great folks here," he said. "I met Paul Davis, a pilot for 12 years, who told me some wonderful stories."

The two became acquainted after Davis recognized the towboat Melvin was painting on a mural. Melvin said he also met some retired railroaders who "made sure I had the bolts on the front of the boiler of the locomotive. Everybody has their specialty."

Melvin said he learned to recognize railroad engineers whose trains rumbled by the floodwall. He rode a towboat on the Mississippi and got to know the people who sponsored the panels.

Day by day people would stop by and want to talk. Melvin said he was happy to spend the time with them, talking and learning.

Working with him were his partner, Cameron Pfiffner, and artist Gary Borremans, both of Chicago. Local artists included Craig Thomas, Megan Thrower and Amanda Thornberry. Pfiffner also established himself locally as a saxophonist who would regularly join in with local bands.

"We have made great friends," Melvin said. "I'm going to miss them, keep up with their stories and see what becomes of everybody."

He'll be back in the spring when the River Heritage Mural Association and the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri hold a dedication ceremony for the murals. Between now and then, said Tim Blattner, chairman of the mural association, the safety rail, reader board and sidewalk along the murals will be installed, and the project will be finished.

"We're just excited, elated and pleased. He did a wonderful job of taking care of the details," Blattner said.

Melvin said he will relax for a little while over the holidays and then begin a mural for an Indianapolis hotel.

Blattner said two of the 24 panels are still available for sponsorship at $5,000 each. Anyone interested in sponsoring either the Mound Builders or the Riverfest panels should contact him at 334-3288.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160