By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The 24th mural in Downtown Paris is now installed and ribbon-cutting will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 1.
Called “Experience Paris”, the newest mural is located in the east alley of the court square and is another masterwork by Paris Artist Dan Knowles. Mural #24 is located on the back wall of the Commercial Bank & Trust Building.
It depicts important events, festivals, people, places and buildings in the rich history of Paris.
And we know you’ll see many familiar faces that have been painted in by Knowles. You’ll see Chamber CEO Travis McLeese, Chamber Community Relations Director Kasey Muench, the legendary David Crockett, Long-time Paris businessman Charles Hopkins, Andrew Paschall of Puryear and his horse-drawn carriage, Local Musician Randall French, Local Shutterbug Jean Owens and many more.
“Back Alley Paris” is a project funded by a Tennessee Arts Commission grant called “Arts Build Communities” and the City of Paris.
“We have been painting windows, walls, and downtown dumpsters since 2015,” said Kathy Ray, project manager for Back Alley Paris. “It has been a wonderful art project for our entire community”.
Ray noted that within four blocks around the downtown Court Square, there are now 24 murals that grace the alleyways plus a metal Eiffel Tower.
Paris is home of The World’s Biggest Fish Fry so the catfish is highlighted on the new mural. Other highlights of the new mural: In the center of downtown Paris stands the historic Henry County Court House. Each of the Paris letters in the mural include scenes of shopping, the beautiful lake area, Patriot Football, delicious food, great musical entertainment, and a 70 foot Eiffel Tower replica next to the Splash Pad Park.
Paris City Manager Kim Foster said, “We’re very proud of our community and the artwork and murals throughout downtown.”
Travis McLeese and Kasey Muench
Randall French, Jean Owens, Charles Hopkins, Dan Knowles teaching the daughter of Dr. Joe and Karolyn Mobley how to play banjo.
Andrew Paschall and his horse-drawn carriage.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.