Mural reflects message of unity

Posted 6/30/22

“In unity, there is strength.”

For generations to come, motorists traveling south on U.S. Hwy. 69 (South Pacific St.) in Mineola will be reminded of that message, emblazoned across the top of a colorful mural – the first major public art of the Wood County Unity Mural Project.

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Mural reflects message of unity

A few of the dozens of volunteer muralists make progress last Wednesday on the now-completed mural. [peruse more painting]
A few of the dozens of volunteer muralists make progress last Wednesday on the now-completed mural. [peruse more painting]
(Monitor photo by Sam Major)
Posted

“In unity, there is strength.”

For generations to come, motorists traveling south on U.S. Hwy. 69 (South Pacific St.) in Mineola will be reminded of that message, emblazoned across the top of a colorful mural – the first major public art of the Wood County Unity Mural Project.

The vibrant tableau, 80 feet long and 10 feet tall, was dedicated Saturday morning after dozens of community members, including many youth, spent the week completing the piece under the guidance of Miami muralists Luis Valle and Sara Molano.

Mayor Jayne Lankford called the project “a shining light in Wood County for years to come.”

Organizer Debbie Rhoades, who brought back the idea from an urban-style mural project in Houston, said public art has the power to unify communities. It transcends, it is a place of healing, she added.

When the idea was first broached to bring back this project to a rural community, she laughed, but it quickly came together.

Valle said the experience has been amazing for them. Included in a set of gifts given to the couple was a pair of cowboy boots Molano was seen admiring at a local shop. Susan Witt said those boots can just walk her right back to Wood County for future projects, including a mural festival.

And already those future projects are gaining traction.

Todd Witt noted discussions are underway for murals in Quitman and Hawkins. The goal is murals in every community, which can become an attraction for visitors.

A mural guild has been formed to assist with these projects.

The next project planned for Mineola is the Dairy Queen on W. Broad St.

Nathan Witt, executive Director of the Flint and Steel Coalition, the project’s umbrella organization, said the mural speaks for itself.

”It’s so vibrant,” he said. “It has so much life to it.”

Christophe Trahan, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission, one of the sponsors, said the impact this project can have is exactly what Wood County needs.

The mural faces north on S. Pacific just south of the railroad tracks. Building owner Ricky Ramirez donated the space.

Susan Witt said more than 50 businesses and individuals contributed to help make the project possible, and more than 100 took up a brush to help complete the mural.