It was a very hot week, but fifty hours later the two flag mural on the corner of VFW Post 2446 was complete. The building has some miles on it but with the addition of this 400 sq. ft. painting, it shows the American spirit of its members. Located on Bird street in Hannibal the art gives visitors, tourists and members a location for the most patriotic photos. Most importantly the flag mural gives the organization a large presence in the downtown area!
Every mural I paint isn’t in Hannibal, but it sure seems like it. I began the outdoor Spring painting season at the Main Street side of the Hannibal History Museum. Deborah White commissioned me to create a second mural for the museum showcasing the Hannibal trolley company that ran for so many years. I came up with a more graphic travel stamp design. It worked out great!
Then, Deborah White and Lori Kemp called me to paint these two selfie spot murals in the city butterfly garden. One being a peacock design and directly across from that is a butterfly design!
In June I began a biggie! Continental Cement Company, with the urging of Deborah White once again, commissioned me to create a very large heritage mural on 3rd street. My vision was of American immigration and exceptionalism. I wanted to tell the story of these workers from Eastern Europe and Southeastern America to the plant near Hannibal. Continental is the last American owned cement company in the country. I’m proud to have told this story!
Hey Hannibal! I’m asked often so here is the official Holy list of my art murals in Hannibal with addresses:
Big Wall on City Hall – 320 N. Broadway
Fire Station – 1634 Market St.
American Flag on Market St. – 3500 Market St.
Vintage Cars on Market – 2000 Market St.
Broadway Bar & Grill Beer Mug – 712 Broadway
Ilasco Falstaff Vintage Sign – 10998 Ilasco
Travel Trolley Stamp on History Museum – 200 N. Main Street
Train Depot on History Museum – 200 N. Main & Center St.
Mark Twain on American Flag – 1429 Mark Twain Avenue
AND, it looks like four more coming this summer! If you go by and view or take a photo, please post and tag me please!
The fifth mural commissioned by Mr. Brad Walden, the visionary behind the Hannibal mural revolution, is now complete. In the old Gooch food market new construction has developed Walden’s new office including this conference room. A throwback photo of a moment in 1958 in front of the store gave the motivation for the painting. It measures 20’ wide and 10’ tall. All painted in shades of gray bringing the rooms vibe back to mid-century style!
I don’t have to replay the downs of 2020. I’d rather focus on the highs. It was a very busy year for Ray Harvey Art! I really lost track of all the murals, locations and the many new people I met. Here is a snapshot of the way it was! I’m already following up on orders and commissions for this Spring.
The HannibalHose Company #2 firehouse mural was completed last week. Commissioned by Mr. Brad Walden, this once proud firehouse turned office building received an artistic facelift! This is the third mural commission directed by Mr. Walden. The wall was patched, skim coated and then layered with a new surface. Then I designed a Trompe L’oeil designed mural. French for “fool the eye”, this technique creates what doesn’t exist. Each brick, molding, door, dog and horse was painted. Only the three upper windows are actually real. The new wall gives the public a great opportunity for selfies and photos.
This past week the first Hero Nation Mural was completed and signed at the State Technical College of Missouri. The 41’ wide painting was completed just in time for the tailgate graduation which took place on May 30th. The mural pays respect to the working sprit of Americans and students alike whom have been the backbone of the country. The art will grace the entrance to the campus and be a destination for photographers, students, veterans and others wanting to use the backdrop of the American flag.
Every art series begins with the first painting of course. My plan to design and paint a mural series saluting the working spirit of America starts this week. State Technical College of Missouri is the first up to bat. They have excitedly commissioned me to create a 41’ wide mural on the Osage County Community Center. The building sits at the entrance to the college and will be highly visible from highway 50. The design is a beautiful waving American flag with the the Hero Nation logo with the school logo. The prep work will begin this week and the completion should be In around two weeks.
“Hero Nation” Proposal
Many times a good idea needs to percolate before the time is right to move forward. This idea has done just that. A few years ago I had envisioned a series of art murals done for the public celebrating the heroic spirit of those amongst us. Be it first responders, soldiers, medical professionals, teachers or laborers that live their lives through duty to those around them. America is overflowing with them. This became “Hero Nation.”
During this pandemic time our country finds itself in, the idea needs to take root. I propose designing a series of ten murals to be created around the St. Louis region that inspire and give a public thank you to those that serve. Each mural would be created in a very visible location corresponding to the subject painted, like firehouses, medical facilities, schools and the like. The size of each mural would be roughly 12’ tall and 16’ wide depending on the specific wall. These walls will be chosen for their visibility and access for viewing as a constant reminder of the sacrifices given.
I am looking for a patron to sponsor one or more such public murals. The press and attention these paintings will receive during this time and the future will be substantial. Full credit will be given to the sponsor in any press applications. The cost to create such a painting will be $2,500 each. I am reducing my price of this described mural by 70% for the cause. If any interested party has a larger wall or requests a much larger painting, I can do that. The cost will be proportionate to the request.The cost is all inclusive of materials, production and marketing.
With your financial help we can create together a wave of positive appreciation towards the individuals that uplift us, protect us and serve us in their daily walk.
I can be reached anytime by phone or email for more details and information. Please review the art samples attached. These are versions of what could become a reality. I look forward to your response and support!
Ray Harvey
Email – RayHarveyArt@gmail.com
Web/Blog – www.RayHarveyArt.com
Ray Harvey Bio –
Ray Harvey has been a freelance illustrator and muralist since 1986. He has created over five hundred public, residential, commercial and industrial murals during that time around the Midwest region. He has been commissioned by Cities, Mayors, corporate executives and celebrities in the production of this repertoire. His largest project to date is a 17,000 sq. ft. art project in Eureka, MO. He has painted many of the murals in St. Louis restaurants such as Syberg’s Restaurants and J Bucks Restaurants and the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. He presently is completing six large mural projects in Hannibal, MO including one for Hannibal City Hall. A complete reference list is available on request.
After 39 submissions, I made the final four! Now it’s up to public voting. While I am the only out of state artist in consideration I’m at a disadvantage. I could use any positive vote from you to help me secure this commission. Just click the link and find my design to vote…easy! No sign-up is required, no personal info shared. Thank https://augustaarts.wufoo.com/forms/james-brown-mural-public-voting/
