August 25, 2021, Hope, AR,

The Hope Downtown Network is planning a time of dedication and celebration for the Journey of Hope Mural Project located on the chamber of commerce building. The Mural Dedication will take place on Tuesday, August 31 at 10:30 AM.  The festivities will begin in front of the mural frames and will conclude with refreshments inside the chamber.

Hope Downtown Network received a grant through the Division of Arkansas Heritage’s Public Art Grant Program and the Hope Tourism Commission provided matching funds that allowed the Journey of Hope Mural Project to become a reality. 

The Public Art Grant Program assists communities that participate in the Main Street Arkansas program in the planning and implementation of public art for places viewable by the public within the Main Street district and on gateways to Main Street districts. 

Joel Boyd, artist from Little Rock, began work on the mural frames shortly after the grant was awarded.   The three frames honor Paul W. Klipsch, the Bright family and Hope Melons and outdoor life in Southwest Arkansas. 

“The power of public art impacts a community in a myriad of ways.  Each mural frame, in the Journey of Hope Mural Project, calls for a “story to be told” as the frames focus on unique aspects of Hope and Hempstead County, “stated Beckie Moore, Hope Downtown Network board member.

The community is encouraged to attend the dedication and celebration. This day will provide an opportunity to thank all who made the mural project possible. Muralist Joel Boyd will also be present and will offer comments at one point during the dedication ceremony.