America’s 250 Mural Leaves Its Mark on Edmonson County

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

One idea from a social media post sparked a several-month-long project for the Edmonson County Arts Guild.

Back in the Spring of the year, at one of the Arts Guild meetings, Judge Executive Scott Lindsey showed the Arts Guild a post about a mural that he found interesting. It was individual tiles painted by people in the community that, when placed together, became a whole complete picture.  It is called America 250 in celebration of America’s 250th year.

The Guild took the idea and began making plans. This would not be a quick thing, and dates and times would have to be scheduled for individuals to come and paint. The Mural was ordered back in March, and once the tiles came in, Phyllis Miller and Lydia Nugent began setting up dates and times when people who had paid could come in and paint. Sounds simple, but the truth was that weather and other events the Art Guild had committed to kept the schedule tight. Accommodations were made so everyone who wanted could be a small part of this history.

So many people came to paint. They came alone or with kids and grandkids. Each person added their personal touch to the project. You picked a blue, red, or white tile and painted whatever you wanted. The tiles making up the eagle were already printed with a picture, save for a few, so don’t be fooled.

After the tiles were painted, they had to be laid out in a pattern and then attached to a backing. Once again, following directions for adhesive and a sealer, the product was completed. 2x4s were used to lift the sections while Johnathan Miller drilled into the wall to attach them. An unveiling was held on October 26, but here is the real story behind the mural.

While painting the tiles, many people had some really good conversations and met people with whom they had lived around all their lives, yet their paths had not crossed. Kids were valued for their input; generations came together to contribute. That was a great thing to see and be a part of. Once the unveiling was done, those who were there told stories of their tile. Maybe it was painted in remembrance of a loved one, such as Eeyore was painted by Scott’s wife Teresa in remembrance of his mom, Penny. Scotty Woodcock told about his wife Ethel’s tile, and that it is of Pilot Mountain, where Ethel grew up, in North Carolina, and where they had their first date. This is also the famous Mount Pilot from the Andy Griffith show. There are tiles celebrating the 1976 Edmonson Wildcats State Champs, tiles that reflect the feeling of the times as Charlie Kirk was immortalized right here in Edmonson County; handprints, favorite things, and a whole lot of love are all on the mural.

Sometimes I am amazed by our small county and the feelings that something like the 250 mural can bring up in people, but then I remember we do live in the best place ever, faults and all, because this is the heart of America and we help each other and we remember each other and we do the very best we can for each other.

If you get a chance, stop by and check out the mural located at 302 East Main Street behind Gary Logsdon Office or, as many remember, the old Western Auto Store.