About the Murals of Philadelphia, MS
A message from Shawn Byars
I’ll start at the beginning….I have known Marty my entire life – I have watched him grow and have always been proud of and inspired by him. When I got wind of the dream that Marty wanted to see to fruition in the form of the Congress of Country Music I was very interested. The idea that he would bring it to his and my hometown and entrust us with it was incredibly heart-felt to me. I expressed to Marty how excited I was about it and that I was here to help in any way I could.
Well…it was the winter of 2023, and Marty and Doug Hudson shared with me their vision of our little town covered in flowers through a project to have floral murals covering the walls of our buildings. They asked if I would take it on. I knew absolutely nothing about murals, but I said, “yes,” because I meant it when I said that I would do absolutely anything to help. The idea was to highlight country music songs that have a floral significance in some way, create art to enhance the lyrics, and honor the musicians who brought the songs to life. We would connect it with the community, loved ones, fans, and families through the opportunity of sponsorships and special occasions. We would call it Flowers on the Walls.
It was launched just in time for the Dolly Parton mural to be unveiled during her visit here that summer. It’s been a great experience for me – it’s brought immense gratification, it’s challenged me in more ways than I can list, but mostly it has given me the opportunity to work and play with some amazing people – from artists to musicians, from members of the community to the companies behind the scenes. And a little tid-bit I’d like to share with you about Marty Stuart is that his eye is as good as his ear…..he has taught me so much along the way! This project is turning out to be a powerful bonding and feel-good journey for Philadelphia. We are in awe of the special connections they have spawned, the old memories they have revived and new ones they have brought forth, and the beautiful life that it has taken on its own. We will continue to grow more murals on our walls for a long time to come.
I want to say personally that I am so touched by the support that I and the program have received from the community and all who are watching us grow and, on behalf of our little home – the birthplace of Marty Stuart – we invite everyone to visit the murals in downtown Philadelphia, MS – we’d love to add your beautiful spirit to our garden.
“Flowers..Beautiful Flowers”
The Mural Walk
The Murals
Information written by Shawn Byars
Art by Daniel Ethridge – Sponsored by Megan McCoy Wheelock and Dick Wheelock — 08-2-23
This was our first mural and is very special for many reasons. It honors Dolly Parton, who performed at the Ellis the afternoon before its unveiling. At the unveiling, Dolly and Marty performed her song “Wildflowers” outdoors in front of our first gorgeous mural and a glorious crowd of fans. For so many people, seeing Dolly live in all her beauty, talent, and glory was a dream come true!
I had no idea where to begin. While pondering, I happened to see a magazine cover of the Meridian Art Collective painting a giant mural. I called them right away, and the rest is history. Daniel shared his first stab at the art, and Marty loved it—it was meant to be.
The Collective, made up of incredible artists and teachers, painted the mural and invited the entire town to help. Folks showed up in droves! The mural was gridded and numbered, allowing participants as young as 2 and as old as old can be to paint by numbers and actually have a hand in its creation—super special!
Finding the right sponsor was easy. I reached out to my dear friends Megan and Dick, because they love Marty and Dolly, and they considered it an incredible honor to be our first sponsors. The magic had begun, and it just continues to grow!
“Wildflowers don’t care where they grow!”
Art by David Howell and Casey Byars – Sponsored by The Citizens Bank, Gary Nowell, Joe Jordan, Dick and Terry Molpus, Don and Ellen Kilgore, Ken and Patrice Turner, Jody and Leah Jarrell, Head Auctions and Realty, Chris and Ann Edwards, John and Diana Howell, Mark Howell and Stephanie Artz, Fent DeWeese Family, and Lannie Byars Family — 10-14-23
This mural was the first vinyl installation, created by Mitchell Signs in Meridian. We were behind schedule and didn’t have time to paint the mural directly on the wall, so Mitchell Signs saved the day—finishing installation the very morning of the event!
One of the artists, David Howell, is a huge Roger McGuinn fan, having grown up on The Byrds’ music. Scores of friends and fans joined the sponsorship and the unveiling, where we used a huge sail to cover the art, adding to the feeling of a pirate ship on the rocky sea, just as the song suggested.
Everyone was in awe of seeing Roger in person after years of enjoying his music. He shared stories of touring on the bus long ago, its movement reminding him of the golden days of sail. Marty and Roger’s live rendition of the song to the crowd was the icing on the cake—we all got it, and we loved it!
“Pull away, me lads o’ the Cardiff Rose, and hoist the Jolly Roger!”
Art by Casey Byars – Sponsored by Dorette Sarachik — 04-06-24
Connie and Marty wrote a song specifically for this mural, designed in honor of Connie. The song, “Flowers,” is as genuine and beautiful as its title. Marty played it for me as we began to discuss the art. I’ll never forget the conversation. He said, “I want the sky to be as blue as Connie’s eyes, as her eyes are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen…and I want there to be a heart somewhere in the mural because Connie has the biggest heart of anyone I know.” His words brought tears to my eyes, as he could hardly contain his love for Connie.
Once the art was completed, I sent the render to Marty and Connie. Connie called to say, “That is the most beautiful mural I have ever seen.” I knew we had a winner!
Dorette Sarachik jumped at the chance to sponsor, as she has been a Connie Smith fan for a very long time and cherishes her new connection with Connie. Mitchell Signs brought the mural to life—including the blue sky to match Connie’s eyes and a dewdrop in the shape of a heart on a red rose.
We have adopted Connie into our little community with much love, and were thrilled that Marty and Connie gifted us a live performance we’ll never forget.
“I woke up this morning—a little sad and blue—took a walk in the country—looking for the truth… Flowers… I saw flowers.”
Art by Kim Kilpatrick – Sponsored by Bob and Jean Mills Yacobucci in Memory of Rose Garrett, Bobby Jean Mills, and Larry Mills — 04-12-25
With help from Mitchell Signs for a last-minute vinyl installation, we have a gorgeous quilt-inspired work of art created by the sponsor’s niece, Kim Kilpatrick. As these murals seem to do, this one wrapped so much into the piece—just like a quilt. Kim remembers fondly her mom and dad, Larry, one of whom the mural honors, dancing to this song when she was young.
Kim incorporated fun and meaningful details into the art. When I shared her vision with Marty, he loved it but asked for one change—the color of the cowboy boots. In his collection, Marty has a pair of Linda’s actual boots, which are purple, so Kim made the change and called it a wrap! Look closely and you’ll also see Linda’s initials carved into her tree of love.
Family is at the heart and soul of this mural—memorializing several loved ones and capped off with the music of Kim’s dad, Larry, who had been a teenage rock-and-roll singer in a local band when Marty was a boy. Marty listened to them growing up and even rode Larry’s school bus during his few years in school here.
“Love is a rose, but you’d better not pick it, only grows when it’s on the vine.”
Art by Loretta Lynn and Bill Lauderdale – Sponsored by Mike and Cynthia Lauderdale Case, Sarah Lauderdale, Tyler and Family, Eliza and Cade Parsons and Family, Frances Phillips Potts, LiLi and Don Kirkpatrick, Charlie Godwin, and Ann and Ben Weathersby in Memory of Bill and David Lauderdale — 04-12-25
Loretta Lynn often painted while traveling on her tour bus and even gave some of her art to Doug Hudson years ago. We knew we wanted one of her fun, primitive pieces on a wall, larger than life—and found just the one! She painted the two sunflowers that Mitchell Signs adhered to the side of the bakery building.
As I searched for a sponsor, Cynthia Lauderdale showed me a painting by her late husband Bill. It was so stunning and vivid, and such a perfect complement to Loretta’s piece, that we decided to marry them together on the building. Bill had been a much-loved artist and musician here, and now his art shines on us every day.
The unveiling of this mural-combo was deeply moving, with Loretta singing “I Believe” and Cynthia and Bill’s late son David remembered through his own original song. The audio-visual experience touched us all to tears, reminding us how important love and connection are.
“Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky, then I know why I believe, I believe.”
Art by Daniel Ethridge – Sponsored by Mike and Tracy Tinsley, Jack and Angie Conn, Douglas Hudson, Grace and Henry Dabbs, Craig and Melody Vowell, Stacy Brantley, Eric and Ellen Prince, Kent and Mitzi Stribling, David and Roberta Byars, Philadelphia Gun and Pawn, Tribal Chief Cyrus and TaRita Ben in Memory of Fallen Officers from the Choctaw Police Department, Philadelphia Police Department, and Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department — 04-12-25
We wanted to honor our fallen law enforcement officers with a powerful message, and Chris and Mike’s song was the perfect choice. Friends and supporters came out of the woodwork to back the effort. The ethereal canvas, dotted with pink blossoms, became the perfect background to spotlight the song’s themes of comfort and pain, life and death.
Mitchell Signs did another outstanding job. We were fortunate that Chris and his wife Morgane attended the unveiling. They were as touched by it as we were by their presence and performance. It was a somber experience, highlighted by the thrill of seeing Chris and Morgane up close—so gracious, embracing our community and vision.
“Seen my share of broken halos, folded wings that used to fly. They’ve all gone wherever they go, broken halos that used to shine.”
