Have You Seen These Texarkana Murals?

Taking advantage of a beautiful day, I went for a drive around Texarkana and didn't realize just how many murals are in this town.

I was surprised by the artistry of these paintings on several buildings in our city. There's just something special about murals that not only gives off an artsy vibe but adds character and charm to our town.

Let's start with downtown. The first one to catch my attention was on the side of the old Wellworth building on East Broad Street. "Postcards From Our Past" most definitely paints a picture of Texarkana history. It's only fitting that this mural is on the side of a building that for me brings back childhood memories of standing in front with my mom watching the Four States Fair parade, and eating an ice cream cone they used to sell in the store that's now closed down.

As I drove further down Broad Street, I came upon the Front Street Plaza area where you can't help but notice the huge painted train on the side of the building.  Ever since I was a kid I've always loved trains, the only thing missing was the conductor. Choo Choo baby!

As I continued down the street the next place that caught my eye was Pocket Park, a hollowed out building area that was turned into an entertainment area where people can congregate or just take some great photos with the large murals painted on each sides of the walls. I don't know who painted these murals but it is a perfect portrait of our city that almost has a 3D feel to it depending on where you are standing.

While I was there I ran across a guy who was there making a video for YouTube, he told me he likes to freestyle dance and that's when I recognized him from being in our Starz Youth Talent show last year at the fair. His name us James Mayton so I asked him if he would be willing to show me some dance moves and then I showed him mine.

After leaving there I went to perhaps the most recognized mural downtown, the Scott Joplin mural featuring the world renowned ragtime pianist who was from right here in Texarkana. His most famous piece of music was called "The Entertainer," which according to last.FM was considered a ragtime two-step that was popular until 1911. The song was featured in the 1973 movie The Sting. As a matter fact, I remember seeing that movie right across the street from the mural at the historic Perot Theatre. During the 1970s it was known as the Paramount theater.

My next two stops landed me at Spring Lake Park where the old Commercial building that used to be the entrance to the original Four States Fair had some really nice murals to look at.

And last but not least, my quest for the best murals ended at 30 Burger on Texas Blvd., where they have a mural of a tunnel painted on the side of their building. Looking at it almost wants to make you drive thru it but please don't!

So the next time you're driving around Texarkana look closely because you never know when you might become a part of Texarkana history. Please let me know if you know of any other murals.