The Route 66 corridor of Waynesville, Missouri, recently saw a new, large mural painted on one of its buildings.
Missouri-based outdoor artist Ray Harvey finished a postcard-inspired and Route 66-centric mural on the new Dollar General building at 1413 U.S. Route 66.
According to the Pulaski County Weekly, Dollar General and the city came to Harvey to paint the mural on the store, which was an unpopular addition for some who valued the older buildings along Waynesville’s main drag.
After being contacted by the contracting company building Waynesville’s newest dollar store, Harvey met with city government officials to come up with a design that would create the best, most authentic, local vibe.
“They wanted a mural that complemented Waynesville and Route 66, and so we went over a couple different designs.”
Some of Harvey’s favorite existing Route 66 murals are displayed in Cuba and have attracted a number of visitors from other countries.
Ray Harvey Art posted a photo of the finished mural:
The mural was formally dedicated last week:
On a related note, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, can credibly lay claim as Oklahoma’s Mural Capital.
A news release from Reed Architecture states Alva, Oklahoma, makes the claim with 20 murals. However, Sapulpa has more than 40, and counting.
“Especially along Route 66, murals are a good way to introduce and attract people to your town,” said Larry O’Dell, state historian with the Oklahoma Historical Society. He said these artworks provide good ways to enhance urban spaces, preserve cultural history, and inspire residents and visitors. “They help to bring new life to areas and build community pride.” […]
“That’s the kind of stuff that brings people back,” said Chase Horn, communications director for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “These murals encourage people to stop and find out more about the town they’re visiting. And while doing that, they eat at area restaurants and shop at their stores.”
City leaders hope to add murals by Route 66’s centennial in 2026. You can see more of Sapulpa’s murals here.
(Image of the dedication of the new mural in Waynesville, Missouri, via Downtown Waynesville)