First mural leads to second one from local artist in this South Mississippi city
The City of Pascagoula plans to pay for a second mural along Magnolia Street, according to City Manager Justin Larsen.
The mural, still in the planning stages, will sit across from local artist James Mayo’s first piece and depict a swamp scene with native wildlife such as turtles, alligators and fish. Mayo began painting the first mural in April under the Highway 90 overpass after securing a city permit and private funding. The artwork features ships, sailors and butterflies.
“We’ve got new businesses, new restaurants and new hotels downtown, and we really want folks to come here,” Larsen said. “People will come into town to see the artwork by Mr. Mayo, and then keep going down Magnolia Street to our beautiful Flagship District.”
“I’m always pleased to see creative works that enhance the unique character and culture of Pascagoula,” Pascagoula Mayor Jay Willis said. “We are happy to support a local artist whose work brings color, story and a sense of place to this highly visible corridor.”
A dream years in the making
Mayo said the idea to paint the bridge columns came to him a few years ago.
“As a muralist, I see canvas everywhere,” Mayo said.
Mayo originally planned a modest design, but the project grew into something far more complex than he expected.
“What I envisioned was something simple — just a couple of nice little pictures on a cement wall,” Mayo said. “But since the project started, it just kind of evolved.”
Living in a van and lacking the funding to get started, Mayo struggled to bring his idea to life — until Bud Ehlert, a retired Singing River radiologist, saw his artwork at Resurrection Catholic School and volunteered to fund the project. Some community members also contributed donations and supplies.
“Dr. Bud Ehlert has done some primary funding to make this thing happen,” Mayo said. “Otherwise it could not have happened.”
Sometimes working up to 12 hours a day despite lingering injuries from a car wreck, Mayo recruited his son, Isaac, for help.
“Now that I’m getting older, I want to spend more time with him and be able to make something beautiful,” Isaac Mayo said.
With the mural nearing completion, passersby can often find James Mayo, Isaac Mayo and Ehlert working under the bridge.
“We’re very proud of the area down at Lighthouse Park now,” Larsen said. “We’re continually doing improvements there, and this is just something we didn’t really expect.”
James Mayo said he hopes to paint murals on each white column under the bridge. The trio is asking local businesses and residents for donations and equipment to help finish the original mural and support future projects.
“Any kind of accessory that you might use on a job like this is always helpful,” James Mayo said. “I really tried to pour my heart into this, and I took time to think about the community of Pascagoula.”
Donors looking to get in contact with James Mayo can call him at 228-934-8310 or visit his Facebook page.
