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Murals of Cuba Missouri

Perhaps I’m just a bit contrary, but I just can’t help looking for the places less visited. If everyone is going to the major museums you can be sure I’m out looking for street art.

In fact, art in public places is one of my passionate interests. Take art out of the museums and put it on the streets, in parking lots, and shopping centers – where people are. Where parents can point it out to their kids and have a bit of fun with it.

So, it’s totally appropriate, in my eyes, to do my first introductory column as the Offbeat Places examiner, on street murals. The ones that you find driving along and stop you in wonder – wow, look at that.

Cuba, Missouri, since 2002, has been officially known as “Route 66 Mural City" by act of the Missouri legislature. We discovered these delightful murals while doing the Route 66 trip.

Their goal was to have 12 outdoor murals on public buildings by 2007, the 150th anniversary of the city. And they did it.

My bio photo shows me in front of mural called Prosperity Corner,by the Hayes Shoe Store. It was started in July, 2003 by artist Kelly Poling from Chillicothe, Missouri. The murals depict the town’s history and heritage, and Prosperity Corner is no exception.

In the 1900s, Prosperity Corner drew citizens to meet, do business, and chat in front of what was then H.H. Tieman’s General Merchandise Store. Today, Hayes Shoe Store stands at that site. And I stand with it.

The city of Chillicothe must have liked the project quite a bit – they now also have a mural program.

For more information visit Cuba Missouri-murals

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