A new mural will soon be taking shape downtown following action by the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation last week.
The CEDC board approved a design and engaged artist Malcolm Byars to paint a mural on the south side of the REFZ building. Byars plans to begin work on the mural next Monday, June 10, and hopes to be finished before July 4.
Byars has painted several murals across the country, including a buffalo mural just off the square in Claude. The CEDC Board first met with Byars almost a year ago and has been working with him on the design since that time.
The Clarendon mural will pay homage to the area’s ranching history and to one of the community’s most popular events. It will feature a Chuckwagon camp scene along with images of pioneer ranchers Col. Charles Goodnight, John and Cornelia Adair, and Alfred Rowe.
“The EDC is excited to partner with Malcolm Byars on the mural project to pay tribute to the ranching heritage of this community,” CEDC Vice President Taylor Shelton said. “We are hopeful the mural will attract attention to main street, drive additional foot traffic to downtown, and help support our downtown businesses.”
The ranch heritage mural will cost about $27,000 and will be paid for by Hotel Occupancy Tax funds administered by the CEDC.
Just two weeks ago, the CEDC erected a new sign at the corner of US 287 and Kearney Street designed to welcome visitors while also promoting the new REFZ Sports Bar & Grill and provide a promotional opportunity to downtown merchants. The CEDC and the Chamber of Commerce have also purchased seasonal banners for the new streetlights in the 100 block of Kearney Street.
CEDC officials hope the new mural will inspire property owners to consider taking on similar projects. In December, the CEDC authorized a Mural Grant Program to enhance Clarendon’s appearance, increase employment opportunities in the arts, raise awareness and appreciation of the value of art, create civic pride, reduce blight, and encourage tourism.
Grant recipients can be eligible to receive reimbursement for up to one-half of the mural project cost based on funds available each year.
The program rules were modeled on a similar program in Amarillo and stipulate that proposed locations for grant-funded murals must be high-traffic areas that are readily visible and must be in the Central Business District or along the US 287 corridor.
Mural grant applications are available online at ClarendonTX.com/CEDC.
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