MAYFIELD, Ky. — The next phase of Mayfield’s Dunbar Park Project began Tuesday with the addition of two murals on the sides of the newly constructed main pavilion. The murals will depict celebrated African American and Mayfield artists Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance.
Artist Kenneth Burney’s computer renderings project what the Dunbar Park murals of Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance will look like.
The area originally housed the Dunbar School, which was a segregated institution. When the schools integrated in 1958, the site became the Mayfield Independent Schools Bus Garage. A one-and-a-half-acre pocket contained Dunbar Park.
After the land was devastated by the December 2021 tornado, Mayfield’s Dunbar Park Project acquired all four acres of land, with intent to build an expanded park. The plans also include an updated double basketball court, new playground equipment, a Dunbar School Commemorative feature, green space with seating, concrete recreation area, and seating within a main pavilion and small pavilion.
Justin Carrico, the city parks administrator, spearheaded the reconstruction and design plans.
Mayfield City Projects Administrator Justin Carrico stands near the side of the newly constructed main pavilion in Dunbar Park on June 18, 2024.
“We’re probably most excited about what is coming to Dunbar Park because it really holds on to the historic pieces of the Dunbar property, as well as creating a spot where our community can be together,” Carrico said.
Carrico explained that the project preserves the historical significance of the school and park so the “story isn’t lost from generation to generation.” He said the murals are part of the effort.
Wilson and LaFrance were both native to Mayfield. The former attended Dunbar School and had one of his paintings, entitled Funeral Procession, featured on an episode of The Cosby Show.
“Their works have been known nationally and even beyond,” Carrico said.
Carrico said the murals will ensure that the Mayfield community “knows there have been incredible artists who have come from here.”
Carrico estimated the total cost of the park to be $300,000. He said funds were derived from donations including from local businesses and organizations, checks sent to Mayfield, Fox Weather after reporting on the tornado, and country music singer Trace Adkins following his relief concert in the city.
“We’re just excited to be able to see our community come together and really make this project a place where our kids can be at,” Carrico said. “Again, it tells a historic piece and tells the stories right.”
Carrico commissioned the group Art Inc. from Lexington to complete the commemorative murals.
Members Kenneth Burney and Stephanie Say will paint the murals for the next two weeks. Burney said, as a contemporary artist, he will operate under his understanding of Wilson’s and LaFrance’s work. He considers them “two of the most iconic African American artists in the history of painting.”
Art Inc. members Stephanie Say and Kenneth Burney stand inside the newly constructed main pavilion in Dunbar Park on June 18, 2024.
“I have created a design that speaks to their work,” Burney said.
Burney described his vision for the murals as “impressionist,” like the artists’ style, and “colorful.” For Wilson’s mural, he will incorporate influences from his Harlem Renaissance pieces and Funeral Procession. For LaFrance’s mural, he will pull from her folk paintings.
“I hope that it will introduce these artists to the community, and give them some incentive to look up the history of Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance and maybe share their incredible artwork with others,” Burney said.
Carrico said, pending weather, overall construction will progress over the next month and a half. He said he wants kids and families to start using the park before school starts.
“As families gather and children play in the park for many years to come, it is my hope that all are inspired to add joy and beauty to the world around us, just as these two artists did throughout their lives,” Mayor Kathy O’Nan said.
Carrico said reminding the community of its “incredible” citizens is a “sign of hope.”
“Mayfield belongs on the map, and it’s a place to raise a family and pursue some goals,” Carrico said.
