MORE MURALS? A FEW SUGGESTIONS...

The River Heritage Mural Association is considering a new project. Since the organization commissioned its first mural in downtown Cape Girardeau in 1986, murals have been popping up all over town. Even neighboring communities, such as Jackson, have joined in the mural movement.

It's wonderful. Local businesses and schools have also adopted the mural fascination. The region's collection of murals has become a real tourist attraction -- from Jake Well's masterpiece in Kent Library to the newest creation by Craig Thomas, a 51-by-15-foot mural depicting college life completed in August. It was painted on a wall of the Student Recreation Center at Southeast Missouri State University.

The mural association is contemplating future murals for the west side -- the town side -- of the Mississippi River floodwall between Broadway and Independence. It is not the first time this location has been discussed, but it was nixed because of the trees that line the wall. It may be time to consider the location again, or to look at the floodwall area just north of Broadway.

This mural project is in the preliminary stages. The mural association has taken the first step of advertising for artists in an international publication. This time, the mural project will be historical in nature, according to association president Tim Blattner. It would be great to include glimpses of Cape Girardeau over the years, with depictions of the river in each panel.

The gigantic Wall of Fame mural painted on the city side of the floodwall across from Hutson Furniture divided onlookers. Many felt the seven-color process diminished the overall artwork.

Cape Girardeau could take note of the picturesque, historical murals being painted on the town side of the floodwall in Paducah, Ky. Each is a work of art, and they have attracted a fair share of tourist traffic both during and after the painting of each panel.

Of course a more detailed mural raises the price tag. But if it helps draw more tourists to town, the investment may be well worth it.

A prospect of another downtown mural is certainly exciting. No doubt the town will watch its development with keen interest.