Murals planned to beautify city

GRAVETTE -- It has long been a practice for cities and towns to adopt mottoes or slogans to describe or promote themselves. Gravette is no exception.

For many years, since U.S. Highway 71 routed through Gravette, the city called itself "The Gate City" to northwest Arkansas. In later years, following World War II and into the '70s and '90s, a slogan often heard was "Gravette: A Town Ready For Tomorrow." Most recently, people passing through town can see an apt description of Gravette by reading the slogan on the water tower: "Gravette: The Heart of Hometown America."

The Gravette Lions Club last week launched a project that, in the future, may result in the coining of another slogan such as: "Gravette: Mural City of Benton County," or something similar.

The Lions Club project is to decorate walls of city buildings, and other locations, with murals depicting life in Gravette -- its heroes, its personality, scenes from the past and present, and other topics that will foster a description of Gravette's heritage.

Plans for the first mural were announced at the meeting of about 25 people held at the Billy V. Hall Senior Activity Center.

Outlined briefly by Lion member Ken Foxx, a mural will decorate the Arkansas Highway 59 wall at the Mid-Continent Concrete operation. New landscaping was recently done in front of the wall.

Foxx stressed that the mural will attract the view of motorists as they top the hill and enter Gravette.

Michael Kelley, the artist for the mural, described it as being more than 60 feet in length. It will feature a huge American flag background with stand-alone figures in front to create a three-dimensional appearance. As planned, the display will be lighted at night, and the shadow effect on the background flag will be eye catching.

Foxx mentioned blank walls throughout the city can become attractive murals which can be enjoyed, not only by local citizens but also by motorists passing through town.

"Every blank wall is a canvas to advertise our town," he said, noting the effect could help to direct tourists to drive down Main Street and around town to see the displays.

Foxx said today's traffic count of motorists through Gravette can be expected to increase when the 540 bypass is completed through the eastern edge of Gravette. Three exit ramps on that north-south freeway will direct motorists into Gravette.

Kyle Gober and Keith Soper, representing GCC/Mid-Continent Concrete, were present at the meeting. Foxx noted the firm supports the project, including financially.

The Lions Club is in the process of seeking $4,500 in donations needed to meet the cost. Anyone interested in having a part in this community beautification project may send checks, made to the Gravette Lions Club, P.O. Box 84, Gravette.

Gravette Mayor Warren, who is also Lions Club president, welcomed those attending the meeting. Refreshments were served following the presentation.

General News on 01/22/2014