New downtown murals to be unveiled this week

Three new murals are being installed around town this week, with an official unveiling set for Saturday, April 12.

The event, hosted by Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cadence Bank parking lot.

Attendees will gather for the first mural unveiling on the side of Deals facing the bank, where Stuart will serve as guest speaker.

This mural pays tribute to Linda Ronstadt’s famous rendition of "Love Is a Rose", originally written by Neil Young.

Designed by Kim Kilpatrick, the artwork features a quilt-inspired pattern woven with elements of country music and love.

The mural was sponsored by Kilpatrick’s aunt, Jean Mills Yacobucci, in memory of her mother Bobby Jean Mills, grandmother Rose Garrett, and brother Larry Mills.

“It’s beautiful how she came up with the idea,” said Shawn Byars. “I think it’s a great metaphor for the song title—when you think of a quilt, it connects parts of a family, love, relationships, and warmth. It’s very special.”

After the unveiling at Deals, the crowd will walk together to CrisMont Creations for the second mural reveal at 11:30 a.m.

On the west side of the building, the mural will feature two giant sunflowers painted by country music legend Loretta Lynn while on tour adn will pay tribute to her song "I Believe".

Meanwhile, the front of CrisMont will showcase three brick panels covered in artwork by the late Bill Lauderdale, a beloved art teacher at both Philadelphia and Choctaw public schools.

Sponsored by his wife, Cynthia Lauderdale Case, and their family, this mural will honor both Bill and their late son, David Lauderdale.

“They’re very special murals for many reasons,” Byars said. “We really want people to come out and be a part of these celebrations.”

The third mural has already been completed on the side of the Police Department building facing East Beacon Street.

While no official details have been released yet, it is believed to be a tribute to fallen first responders, inspired by Chris Stapleton’s song Broken Halos.

These mural unveilings will serve as a prelude to the Chris Stapleton concerts at the Ellis Theater later that evening.

Byars said the day promises to be a celebration of music, art, great food, and community.