Ray Harvey uses a preliminary sketch as a guide while he sketches the mural images on the wall. Working inside is a welcome respite from the 90+ degree temperatures and humidity.
Missouri artist Ray Harvey is spending July adding to Cuba, MO’s growing collection of public art. Cuba is known for being the Route 66 Mural City and Viva Cuba’s 12 outdoor murals. However, as an offshoot of Viva Cuba’s mural project, business people in Cuba have commissioned their own examples of public art.
The latest entry in the public art scene is taking shape at Midwest Petroleum’s Truck Port and Restaurant located on the north side of the I-44 overpass. Midwest Petroleum’s CEO Don McNutt gave Harvey the go ahead on the mural after viewing some proposed sketches and choosing the classic cars and Route 66 logo.
Using Midwest Petroleum’s lift and a sketch as a guide, Ray Harvey drew his design on the wall and began painting the Route 66-themed mural with its complement of classic cars. For an artist that often perches on lifts and scaffolding outside in 90+ degree heat and humidity, this inside job in the lobby of the air conditioned restaurant and convenience store is a welcomed change of pace.
Customers to the restaurant follow Harvey’s progress as they munch on their meal, and bystanders stop in the lobby to gaze up at the scene taking place. This is public art in the truest sense.
The mural will feature some popular classic cars that you probably wouldn't see together except in a car show or auto museum.
If you want to see this latest addition to Cuba’s art scene, stop in at Midwest Petroleum’s lobby and watch it take color and shape. This is Harvey’s second week of working, and he estimates that it will take around three weeks of work. As you can see from the work so far, this colorful addition to Cuba’s public art should be a crowd pleaser.
Ray Harvey steps back to gain a little perspective on the mural.
Other locations of murals painted by Ray Harvey in the Cuba, MO area: Victorian Manor, My Place Tires, Bette Davis, Murals on the 1930’s Phillips 66 Station, and Holy Cross Church and school hall. These can be viewed at the Other Public Art link on Viva Cuba’s website.
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