Public Art Comes Alive in Mississippi Murals

Artist Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” And this is very evident throughout the state of Mississippi as art councils, towns, businesses, communities and artists work together to bring alive the beauty of public art and recognize the importance of how it relates to the state’s rich history in art and culture. 

Must-See Murals

Displayed on walls, buildings and in sculptures, the vibrant colors and beauty invite community and visitors to slow down and linger a little longer as some of the stories of the artwork reach back in a time of remembrance and thankfulness.

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These works of art serve as messages of strength, celebration and triumph while other illustrations and designs ignite questions and emotions of laughter, joy, hope, encouragement and inspiration. And some simply serve as a warm welcome to residents and visitors alike. 

Here in Spirit

The stunning all-blue-and-white mural called Here in Spirit honors Princess Hoka, the Chickasaw young woman who owned the land where the Town of Oxford now resides.  Commissioned by local businesswoman Helen Overstreet, the mural is 1,600 square feet and located at the Oxford Square North Plaza on Jefferson Avenue. Also Here in Spirit is a tribute to the Chickasaw Nation and a reminder that their spirit still lives on in Oxford.

Nature’s Way

The Hattiesburg Public Art Trail includes 39 murals and 16 sculptures. Many of the murals in Hattiesburg are designed for motivation and inspiration for youth. Using bright and bold colors, the mural Nature’s Way was designed to inspire young people and provide an educational lesson on plant and animal life in the area. Nature’s Way is the second of a series and the 11th mural in HBURG Public Art Trail.

To find Nature’s Way and many other new murals in Hattiesburg, visit hburgart.com/trail.

Catfish on Parade Murals

Belzoni is home to the World Catfish Festival, where Miss and Little Miss Catfish are crowned and whimsical catfish characters such as Delta Darlin’, Mr. Fin, Uncle Sam A Fish and others can be seen throughout the town. Catfish on Parade is an ongoing public art project featuring 33 fiberglass catfish painted by artists and community members and sponsored by local businesses, the City of Belzoni, Humphreys Art Council and the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation.  

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Stark Vegas

The citizens of Starkville took what was meant to be an insult over 25 years ago and embraced their new nickname “Stark Vegas.” So much so, visitors are now welcomed to town with the mural Welcome to Fabulous Stark Vegas located at the intersection of Russell and Mill Streets. The mural’s artwork is designed much like the famous Las Vegas welcome sign and features Bully, the beloved mascot of Mississippi State University. To learn more about this mural and find others throughout Starkville, visit starkville.org/visit/things-to-do/art-culture/public-murals.

The Murals at Brookhaven

The Mississippi School of the Arts at Brookhaven has two murals on campus, both designed and painted by alumnus Michael Roy, aka Birdcap. Roy is a renowned visual artist and muralist and painted his first mural showing flying Phoenix of his alma mater in 2017. His second mural, completed in 2022, covers the wall of the Student Life Center. Roy’s style of art is described as a cross between Saturday morning cartoons and historical paintings.

Bridge Mosaic Mural 

The Ocean Springs-Biloxi Bridge Mosaic Mural is made up of four separate concrete wall panels and the largest mosaic mural in Mississippi. Five artists came together to create the colorful mosaic tile mural, which pays tribute to the beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coastline. The 120-foot-long mural is the longest mosaic in Mississippi. 

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Greetings from Oxford

Located in Historic Oxford Square, the Greetings from Oxford mural is much like a large travel postcard being bold in details and information. With roots deep in culture, education, cuisine, literature, architecture and history, each letter is unique in design, representing what makes the small town of Oxford special, not only to visitors but to the community as well. 

Gulf Coast Strong 

On the wall of Jacked Up Coffee in Biloxi is the large-scale mural titled Gulf Coast Strong. This mural along with others displayed on walls of coastal businesses in Mississippi was painted by Gulf Coast artist, Mr. CaLi RoB! HimSeLf. The design of Gulf Coast Strong features the iconic Rosie the Riveter who proudly wears a button with a message to all workers saying “We’re all essential.” 

Daylily Destination

After naming the daylily their city flower, Hattiesburg was then given the name of “Daylily City” by the American Daylily Society. With much significance being placed on the flower, Daylily Destination became the 37th mural to be completed in the city and the first to be painted on metal. Hattiesburg native, Kym Garraway was commissioned to paint the mural, which features many varieties of beautiful daylilies and butterflies.

While in Hattiesburg, visit the multiple murals throughout the town, which is on a quest to become the “City of 100 Murals.”