MAYFIELD, Kentucky — The next phase of Mayfield’s Dunbar Park project began Tuesday with the installation of two murals on the sides of the newly constructed main pavilion. The murals feature renowned African-American and Mayfield native artists Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance.
Computer renderings by artist Kenneth Burney project what the murals by Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance will look like in Dunbar Park.
Originally, the area housed Dunbar School, a racially segregated institution. When the schools were merged in 1958, the site became the bus garage for Mayfield Independent Schools. A one-and-a-half-acre area included Dunbar Park.
After the land was devastated by the December 2021 tornado, Mayfield’s Dunbar Park Project purchased all four acres of land with the intent of building an expanded park. Plans also include an upgraded double basketball court, new playground equipment, a memorial to Dunbar School, green space with seating, a concrete recreation area, and seating in a main pavilion and a small pavilion.
Justin Carrico, the city’s parks manager, led the reconstruction and design plans.
Justin Carrico, project manager for the City of Mayfield, stands next to the newly constructed main pavilion in Dunbar Park on June 18, 2024.
“We are probably most excited about what is happening at Dunbar Park because it will preserve the historic parts of the Dunbar estate while also creating a place where our community can be together,” Carrico said.
Carrico explained that the project is intended to preserve the historical significance of the school and the park so that “history is not lost from generation to generation.” He said the murals are part of that effort.
Wilson and LaFrance were both from Mayfield. The former attended the Dunbar School and one of his paintings, titled Funeral Procession, was featured on an episode of The Cosby Show.
“Their works are known nationwide and even beyond,” Carrico said.
Carrico said the murals will ensure the Mayfield community “knows that incredible artists have come from here.”
Carrico estimated the total cost of the park at $300,000. He said the funds came from donations from local businesses and organizations, checks written to Mayfield, Fox Weather after its coverage of the tornado and country singer Trace Adkins after his relief concert in town.
“We’re just excited to see our community come together and really make this project a place for our kids to be,” Carrico said. “Once again, it tells a historical piece and tells the stories right.”
Carrico commissioned the Lexington-based group Art Inc. to complete the memorial murals.
Members Kenneth Burney and Stephanie Say will paint the murals over the next two weeks. Burney said that as a contemporary artist, he will work from his understanding of the works of Wilson and LaFrance. 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 in the newly constructed main pavilion in Dunbar Park on June 18, 2024.
“I created a design that reflects her work,” Burney said.
Burney described his vision for the murals as “impressionistic,” like the artist’s style, and “colorful.” For Wilson’s mural, he will incorporate influences from his Harlem Renaissance and Funeral Procession pieces. For LaFrance’s mural, he will draw inspiration from her folk paintings.
“I hope this will expose these artists to the public and provide an incentive to learn about the story of Ellis Wilson and Helen LaFrance and perhaps share their incredible artwork with others,” Burney said.
Carrico said construction will progress over the next month and a half, weather permitting. He said he wants children and families to start using the park before school starts.
“As families gather and children play in the park in the years to come, I hope everyone will be inspired to bring joy and beauty to the world around us, just as these two artists have done throughout their lives,” said Mayor Kathy O’Nan.
Carrico said reminding the community of its “incredible” citizens was a “sign of hope.”
“Mayfield belongs on the map and is a place to raise a family and pursue some goals,” Carrico said.
