Who would argue that Paducah's history, painted in life-size murals by Dafford muralists, is the most visible 24/7 art project in Paducah? Visitors and locals can be seen strolling the three-blocks most any time of the day and evening. As they read the bronze interpretive panels in front of each mural, history literally comes to life for young and old alike.
Private individuals and businesses originally paid for all the paintings by Dafford muralists. Their sponsorship also funded the concrete bases and bronze interpretive panels. Sponsors are proud and pleased with the care and maintenance provided by the original artists. "Maintaining the integrity of this Dafford project is critical to the future of Paducah's most front and center art/history attraction," says former Mayor Gerry Montgomery. She and her husband, Dr. Wally Montgomery, sponsored the painting of the military hospital.
It's no surprise that a few of the Paducah's Dafford murals on the downtown floodwall need a repaint. Originally painted during the first few years of the project, the Strawberry, Harley and Fire Station panels were determined in most need of repair and to receive fresh new paint this summer. Dafford says, "Overall, they are holding up well, but exposure to the harsh direct western sunlight, year-round damp weather, extreme hot and cold and constant wind, they have to be revisited every 10-12 years. When I first visited the community to discuss the possibility of a Dafford project on this floodwall in 1995, future maintenance was, of course, part of the plan. This is the process in all the river towns where we paint. Crackling, peeling and fading naturally happen after a decade or so of exposure to outside elements. The wall contracts and expands in the heat and cold. Some crackle more than others, we just have to evaluate each fall and check them out in the spring and plan accordingly."
"Working with the Paducah Wall to Wall volunteer team, who've been together since the inception of the project, continues to be a positive experience for both Herb and me. Anytime we need documentation or supplies, the committee is quick to find what we need. Staying in one of the downtown apartments this summer is convenient and has given us the opportunity to be involved in what's going on in this thriving arts town. We both feel like we're part of this community of artists and visionaries. Herb's daughter was born here and is growing up here as a talented musician. Paducah is near and dear to us."
