Paint the town. Transform communities into a destination. And while your at it, build a sense of community and community purpose.

From the weathered brick walls of small-town Main Streets to the blank sides of grain elevators and factories, murals are breathing new life into communities. They are used to illustrate the stories that chronicle a town’s history. And they can also be used to transform them into destinations.

Public art — especially large-scale murals — does more than decorate. It connects past to present, sparks conversations, and fosters a shared sense of pride that can transform how residents and visitors see a place.

On the August 10, 2025 episode of Coffee With Jim, I sat down for a visit with artist and muralist Ray Harvey of Ray Harvey Art. Based in Missouri, Harvey has brought color and community spirit to towns all across that state as well as in Arizona.

Ray’s work is not just about painting walls. It’s about painting possibilities. He’s contributed to an array of projects that used murals to attract visitors, boost business, and inspire locals to reimagine their own streets. This was the central focus of our conversation on the podcast.

A Kingman Canvas

Here in Kingman, Arizona, my adopted home town has become an open-air gallery. From the Route 66-themed walls that wink at the Mother Road’s glory days to pieces highlighting the town’s railroad heritage, the art tells our story in bold, vivid strokes. Thanks to Kingman Tours’ QR code-based self-guided walking tour, visitors can explore this history-rich downtown, hear the stories behind the murals and public art, and discover a fascinating history.

Concordia, Missouri – A Mural City Success Story

During our conversation, Ray highlighted Concordia, Missouri. This little town would need a fw more people to be considered a wide spot in the road. But it is a place that embraced murals so wholeheartedly it’s now officially recognized as Missouri’s “Patriotic Mural City.”

Once a community searching for a fresh identity, Concordia invested in public art. The payoff has been remarkable — more tourism, more business, and a renewed sense of hometown pride.

Cuba, Missouri – Where Murals Built a Brand

If you’ve driven through the Ozarks, you’ve likely passed through Cuba, Missouri, affectionately known as “Route 66 Mural City.” The town’s 14 outdoor murals, created by Viva Cuba, tell stories of the Civil war, pioneers, and Route 66. These vibrant scenes have turned Cuba into a must-stop destination along the Mother Road, drawing thousands of visitors each year and boosting the local economy.

Pontiac, Illinois – An International Mural Destination

And then there’s Pontiac, Illinois, where murals aren’t just decoration — they’re a full-blown attraction. With more than 20 large-scale works, plus the International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum, Pontiac has become a gathering place for mural enthusiasts from around the globe. The city’s transformation is a testament to what happens when a community embraces art as both heritage and a display of hospitality.

Why Murals Work

Murals make history visible. They celebrate local heroes, honor heritage, and share the unique character of a place in a way that’s instantly accessible. They also create perfect backdrops for those all-important travel photos. That translates into free, organic marketing every time someone shares a selfie in front of a town’s mural on social media.

But perhaps the greatest magic of public art is how it unites a community. The fund raising. The local volunteers, student groups, and business sponsors. The finished murals become points of pride, and conversation starters. Thay can even serve as landmarks for giving directions (“Turn left at the mural with the cowboy and the locomotive…”).

Share Your Mural Moments

I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts. What’ is the best mural discovered on a road trip? Do you have a story about a town transformed by public art? Please, share your thoughts in the comments. And post your mural photos on the Jim Hinckley’s America Facebook page post with the link for this blog so we can celebrate them together.

While you’re at it, join our growing community by following Jim Hinckley’s America on our website, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to the Coffee With Jim podcast for weekly stories, road trip inspiration, and fascinating conversations with the people that are transforming communities.

A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

Jim Hinckley’s America is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors who believe in sharing America’s story:

• Two Lane America – Leading unforgettable Route 66 and cross-country tours.
• Wagon Wheel Motel, Cuba, Missouri – Celebrating 90 years of hospitality in the heart of the Ozarks.
• Cactus Inn Motel, McLean, Texas – A Route 66 classic.
• Enchanted Trails Trading Post & RV Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico – History, comfort, and Southwestern charm.
• RouteTrip USA – Helping travelers plan their dream Canadian or American road trip.
• Roadrunner Lodge Motel, Tucumcari, New Mexico – Mid-century vibes and Route 66 hospitality.
• Gilligan’s Route 66 Tours – Expert-guided adventures on the Mother Road, and a road trip throough the heartland along the Mississippi River.

To each of them, and to every reader and listener who shares the road with us — thank you.

Let’s keep painting America’s story, one mural at a time.