Channel 5 reporter/videographer Jim Viehman interviews Don Gray as he was paining the Civil War panels.

Channel 5 reporter/videographer Jim Viehman interviews Don Gray in 2005 as he was paining the Civil War panels.

Cuba, MO: Bullets fly; a fort explodes, scenes of heroism occur. Viva Cuba’s Civil War murals on Buchanan Street evolved daily from sketches to full-color scenes of drama and history. Artist Don Gray, who lived in California at the time, made the scenes come alive during the summer of 2005 after months of research on details of the Civil War battles.

Hundreds of locals and tourists have viewed and enjoyed the murals. Now it is time for a some maintenance.

Artist Gray returns to Cuba July 6-12 to do some maintenance/repair on the Civil War Murals. He will also renew his friendship with the Lange family who will once again provide housing for the artist. Viva Cuba members will greet Gray at the airport and bring him to Cuba.

Chip Lange, fifteen at the time, used the Viva Cuba Civil War murals as his Eagle Scout Project. Chip researched the Battle of Pilot Knob, artists, and other aspects of the murals. Chip raised over $21,000 in money and fund-raising that was matched with $15,000 by Viva Cuba to make the murals a reality. His family housed the California mural artist Don Gray while he was in town painting. To show his appreciation, Gray painted Lange into the Leasburg panel of the series.Chip is the young man with the red band on his hat.

Chip Lange of Cuba, with the red band, was painted into this Civil War panel.

Chip Lange of Cuba, with the red band, was painted into this Civil War panel.

At the time of the painting, Chip and Gray were interviewed for Show Me St. Louis TV program‘s segment on Cuba’s murals. Needless to say, Chip received his Eagle Scout designation because of his extensive involvement with the mural project. He is now a college student and working toward a medical degree. Chip won’t get to re-unite with Gray on this trip as he is in London for a semester of study.

On his return to Cuba, Gray will not only be renewing friendships with the Langes, he will also be renewing and repairing some water damage on the murals. After repairs are made, he will add a varnish protection coat.

We will be posting photos and updates on the mural maintenance in the future.

Don Gray signed the mural panel at the time of the original painting.

Don Gray signed the mural panel in the summer of 2005.

Read “Civil War artist downsizes with winning results” for information on Gray’s activities since his last visit to Cuba.