Advertisement

Muralists Honored During 20-Year Anniversary

Muralists Honored During 20-Year Anniversary
Advertisement
By West Kentucky Star Staff
Sep. 25, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY
By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 25, 2016 | 07:34 AM | PADUCAH, KY
Twenty years ago Robert Dafford was invited to come to Paducah to answer questions about the possibility of painting on the city's west-facing floodwall. Two decades later the answer is obvious, a very definite yes.

Thanks to the support and encouragement of Bill Schroeder, businesses and individuals immediately came on board to make the idea of painting Paducah's past in giant images on the floodwall between Jefferson and Broadway, a reality. "We never had to go out and solicit sponsorships," says Ro Morse, project coordinator. "Bill's influence and belief in the importance of the project got the whole thing going and the momentum only grew as Robert and Herb painted each year. It's been such an asset to our whole community. Not only is it a big draw for visitors to downtown, it's become an interactive history lesson for students and adults alike. To see school age children stand in front of the giant images, and watch history literally come to life as they read the interpretive panels, has been a rewarding part of this 20-year adventure."

During BBQ on the River, Paducah Wall to Wall set up a tent in front of the floodwall's Market House mural. Visitors from near and far stopped by to chat with Robert Dafford and Herb Roe who were in town for the 20-year celebration. Dafford and Roe signed t-shirts, books, postcards, colored in the new coloring books which Bill Ford illustrated and most importantly sketched out a concept for the ten empty panels behind the newly restored 1518 locomotive. Scrap books with photos and mementos from the 20-year project were available for all to see. "The stories we are hearing from locals are similar to what we experience each time we are here painting on the scaffolding," said Herb Roe. "People relate to the history we paint and I believe that's one of the reasons the murals are important to so many people here in Paducah."

In 2014, AAA Trip Advisor named Paducah Wall to Wall the number one public art attraction in the state of Kentucky. Morse stated, "Each year since its origin, the project is featured in publications across the country. Dafford told the all-volunteer Paducah Wall to Wall organization that everywhere they paint, it's just a matter of time until large mural art starts appearing around town. That is certainly happening in Paducah now. How fitting is it that this hub for artists and history buffs now features such a magnificent 24/7 art/history attraction."

Kentucky Colonel General Hal Sullivan made Dafford and Roe Kentucky Colonels Friday evening during the BBQ on the River Festival. Sullivan praised the muralists not only for their outstanding work and what it means to the community, but for being Paducah Ambassadors across the county when they paint. They spread the good word about Kentucky, not only Paducah but Maysville and Covington where they also paint giant murals.

Mayor Gayle Kaler proclaimed Dafford and Roe Dukes of Paducah Friday evening when she surprised them with awards thanking them for the magnificent work they do and continue to maintain. She expressed the city's appreciation for their contribution to the community and their willingness to promote Paducah everywhere they go.

Bill Ford spent time with Dafford and Roe during the three day celebration coloring with adults and children and photographing and sharing stories with his Facebook friends. "This is such fun. I feel like I've gotten to know these two amazingly talented artists. What they are doing here in Paducah is monumental. I listen to these stories people share and am amazed how so many relate to the images they paint. This has been a memorable opportunity and experience for me and I know for many others as well."

Ford illustrated three coloring books, "Color PADUCAH Wall to Wall" with Bill Ford. The books are popular and selling well - every cent to fund future mural maintenance. Dafford gave Ford permission to illustrate the Dafford Murals for the books last fall. Each of the three volumes features one block of the project. Each page includes an image of the actual floodwall mural, description of the image and history and then the illustration to color. The coloring books are on sale throughout the community. Email rom4915@gmail.com or call 270-519-1321 to find locations to purchase.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement


Latest Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment Apr. 13, 2021
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 10, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 08, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 08, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 07, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment Apr. 13, 2021
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 10, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 08, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 08, 2020
Arts & Entertainment Aug. 07, 2020

Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT