Murals on the Town

Using city buildings as its canvas, the community of Huron tells its story through colorful murals. Outdoor murals grace the sides of downtown buildings and depict unique aspects of Huron's history. New murals are added to the collection annually.

The mural project is a spectacular outdoor arts project of large murals on walls easily visible to pedestrians and the passing traffic. The project was designed to improve the streetscape and to highlight the unique features of the City for public enjoyment. Revitalization, beautification and civic pride are all direct results of the mural project. Several murals present a visual history of landmarks and events in Huron's past with new murals added each year. Take a walk along the streets of Huron and see the city's past come to life. Perhaps you'll see some 'murals in the making'.



"Capturing the South Dakota State Fair"
By Gregory Wimmer in 2004 (24' x 42')
Using actual photographs from the fair, the artist pays tribute to the long tradition both Huron and South Dakota have of hosting one of the largest agricultural fairs in the nation. Whether it is the exhibits, the entertainment, the competition or the food, there is something for everyone at the State Fair.

Sponsors: This mural was made possible through donations from individuals, civic organizations and businesses.


"Seeds of Democracy"
By Paul Guivens in 2004 (8 - 6' x 6' panels)
The political philosophies which shaped the careers of Vice President Humphrey and Senator Pyle are cleverly integrated by the artist into this multi-panel mural which highlights both their roots in Huron and their respective places in political history.

Sponsor: Grant funding through DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)


"The Land Rush"
By Wei Luan, in 2001 (180' x 18')
With the establishment of an U.S. Land Office at Third & Wisconsin, Huron became the hub for settlement of the James River Valley area. When the doors opened for business at 9am on October 9, 1882, a line of settlers hoping to file claims stretched east to Dakota Avenue and then north to Second Street. Many had arrived the day before and spent long hours waiting in line, while others, arriving on the train that day, had teams of horses waiting for the race to the office. William T. Love, at the forefront, was so intent on being first in the door that he stood with his hand on the knob & when the doors opened for business, he literally fell inside.

Sponsors: In Honor of their parents, Dr. Paul & Carol (Tisdel) Hohm, their children and families, Marilyn, Dr. Richard and Dr. Robert present this mural to the City of Huron.


"Feast of Flowers"
By Robin Wollman, in 2003
The first of several vignettes planned to enhance the overall Murals on the Town project, this feast of flowers will tempt the viewer to walk up and select a stem from the buckets offered outside this street-side flower market. The vignettes are designed to provide the viewer with an unexpected visual experience, soliciting a second look and instigating conversation.

Sponsors: Avenue of Flowers and Wheeler's Business Products


"SEASONS OF SPORTS"
By Donna Lee Bartholow, in 2002

Sponsor: Community Improvement Commission


"Reflections of the Prairie"
By Marilyn DeBoer, in 2000 (8 - 8' x 10' panels)
A multi-panel mural based upon conversations between the artist and her grandmother about homesteading on the prairie.

Sponsors: Ben Franklin Crafts, JC Penny's, Huron Community Improvement Commission, David and Judy O'Donnell, PB Sport's and Walker's Flower Shop.


"Celebration of Independence"
By Marilyn DeBoer, in 2003
For decades, Huron has enjoyed the tradition of a large community fireworks display each Fourth of July. Whether people spend the day swimming, barbecuing, golfing or taking in the car races, by the end of the day thousands gather in or around the Grandstand to delight in the spectacular tribute to patriotism and our nation's independence. Through the generosity of local organizations and individuals, this great family tradition will endure for generations to come.

Sponsor: Huron Elks Lodge and the Huron Sertoma Club


"Seasons of the Heartland"
Mural design and narrative by Debra Kate's,in 1998
Children's Mural

Sponsor: Community Improvement Commission


"The Heart of Pheasant Territory"
By Robin Wollman, in 2002 (77' x 11')
In the late 1800's, South Dakotans took a fancy to the exotic Ringneck Pheasant and began efforts to introduce the game bird into the state. After several attempts failed to naturalize the birds, A.E. Cooper and E.L. Ebbert released a few dozen birds onto their adjoining farms North of Huron in 1909. The combined acreage provided enough cover, water and food for the pheasants to thrive. By 1919, the James River Valley area boasted a population large enough to allow for the first open pheasant hunting season. Thanks to those early efforts, residents and visitors alike enjoy some of the world's finest pheasant hunting.

Sponsors: Carr Farms, Pheasant Country Ltd., Olsen Implement and James River Equipment.


Click on the Murals below for a larger view and mural details.