02 May 2022 New mural unveiled

CONWAY — A new mural was unveiled last week in anticipation of the Toad Suck Daze Festival. 

The new mural, visible from the Oak Street side of the EM building, features an illustrated snapshot of historic downtown Conway with postcard-style text welcoming visitors to the city. The work is a continuation of a series of murals in the large street facing windows of the building, commissioned by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Creative Institute of Central Arkansas.

“The Chamber is excited to partner with the Creative Institute to celebrate the arts and culture movement that is happening in our city,” said Brad Lacy, CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “We believe in the place making power of public art and hope this mural encourages investment in the arts, entertainment, and culture goals of the Conway 2035 strategic plan.”

The mural is the work of local artist, Jessica Jones, whose work is featured throughout the city and Central Arkansas. This is her latest contribution to the interior of the EM building, home to the Studio Downtown and the Creative Institute.

After the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce mural is complete, the building will host three streetside murals and six interior murals.

The artwork is based on a 1940s destination postcard featuring a snapshot of downtown Conway from the intersection of Front & Oak. The Halter and Kordsmeier buildings dominate the scene. The back of the original postcard included driving directions “through the beautiful Ozark foothills” to Petit Jean State Park.