Robert Dafford is one of the foremost mural artists in the United States today, with over twenty years of experience and over 200 public works in the U.S., Canada, Belgium, and France. The 46 year old Louisiana native is constantly sought out for his dramatic, large scale illusions.
Mural of “The Big Mama” Sprague: The “Big Mama” was the largest and the most powerful stern wheel towboat ever launched. After it was decommissioned in 1948, the City of Vicksburg brought the boat and used it to house a floating theatre for “Gold in the Hills.” Gold in the Hills is the longest playing melodrama in the world and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records performing every year since 1936. It also had a restaurant upstairs and was draped all in red velvet. I’m lucky to have saved the menu from this magnificent towboat. Sadly, it caught fire and burned on April 15, 1974 and sank in 1979.
Mural of Coca Cola Museum: The Coca Cola Museum is located in downtown Vicksburg and was one of Rex’s favorite places to check out when he and Denise came to visit us for the first time.
Mural of Logging by Anderson-Tully: My husband Bob was Director of Industrial Labor Relations for Anderson-Tully (ATCO) from 1980-1994. 
Mural of the Sisters of Mercy: I attended school at St. Francis Xavier Academy and was taught by the Sisters of Mercy for twelve years.
On April 12, 2002, the City of Vicksburg unveiled it’s first Riverfront Mural by renowned artist Robert Dafford. The electricity of this project has spread across the south and up and down the Mississippi River.
The panels of the Vicksburg floodwalls are the canvas capturing the City of Vicksburg’s crucial past, present and future roles in American history, commerce, culture, religion, and technology.
(There are 22 panels painted now and 5 more in progress. When the project is completed it will be 35 panels in all. When you come to Vicksburg, take the time to check out the beautiful murals on the floodwall)
3 comments:
Great way for cities and towns to show the past. See a lot of these in Texas. I always enjoy them.
He's done some amazing work. My favorite cities are always the ones that spotlight unique and interesting artists.
He is an amazing artist..you can almost walk into the pictures. The City is building a sidewalk now and hopefully will place some benches so you could just sit and look at his beautiful art work. Thanks for coming by jdp and kristine!
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