I’m not a DIYer but I watch one on TV.
Actually, I watch a few of them, but my favorites are Ben and Erin Napier on their HGTV show, “Hometown.” Out of love for their small town, this couple has taken on the task of restoring and reviving Laurel, MS. They do that in a number of ways: renovating houses; creating opportunities for people to get quality home decor and handcrafted goods; encouraging local artists, shop owners, and restaurateurs—all of which creates jobs and helps the local economy.
From where Mart and I sit, on our sofa in the rec room, their show has surely helped bring pride and joy to their hometown.
In March, we visited Laurel and saw all of this up close. Not only did we gawk at beautifully renovated houses in the historic district, we also saw public art everywhere we looked. It brought color and a sense of fun to town.
We drove into town mid-morning on Monday and stopped at Laurel Mercantile, the Napiers’ home goods store. Beside the store is a replica of Ben’s vintage truck covered with colorful balls that look like balloons. In front of the truck is a small park for visitors to take photos, for kids to play, and for dogs to…stretch their legs.
Across the street, in what looks like an old train depot, is Ben’s shop, Scotsman’s General Store and Woodshop. Here you can find masculine-themed wooden gifts, leather goods, and work clothes. You can also get glass-bottle sodas, candy, and grown-up coffee in the snack bar. Kids can play in the side yard. Or you can go up on the deck, get some sun, and have your photo made in front of this mural.
Back inside, through a big window in the gift area, you might even catch sight of Ben and a buddy building something cool in the wood shop.
When we were there, not only did we see Ben but Erin too, which rarely happens, according to an employee. The couple looked to be discussing a project for their show (or, perhaps, asking themselves why they let people look at them through a big window).
A few streets over, near the coffee shop cafe that they renovated (and we checked out), we drove by the library and found this mural. It’s a great reminder for people of every age of the delights of reading.
Not far from where we ate lunch, we saw this in a store window. It’s a cute painting and the verse is filled with wisdom for the times we are living in.
I enjoy finding public art wherever I go. Sometimes it’s fine art; sometimes it’s whimsical. When I find something that makes me smile or that teaches me about an area, I’m usually delighted with the discovery. I also appreciate the forethought of those who created it and provided it as a gift to the community.
What is the value of art in public places? I think it can add a sense of pride to a community and perhaps a deeper understanding of that community’s value and the place it holds in history. It seems to me that the more a community realizes that, the better off its citizens—and its visitors—will be.
Have you ever enjoyed seeing a piece of public art? Where was it? Let me know in the comments below!
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