See it in 360: Local business adds public art to Oxford

Oxford’s largest mural is at the back of Sneed’s Ace Hardware. Story and photos by Allen Brewer

Rain or shine, there is a rainbow stretching south along 14th St. in Oxford.    

The phenomenon, however, is not in the sky nor constrained by the seven-layer, ROYGBIV-color arc. This creative visual display is made up of shapes, angles, and patterns in a range of hues refracting off the brick-back-wall of Sneed’s Ace Hardware downtown. 

“We are very pleased with the result,” Sneed’s Ace Hardware owner David Shaw said. “We get a lot of comments about it. Everyone has been very supportive of the art, and we are really proud of it.“ 

Shaw could not say if the mural has had an impact on sales but said it did get a lot of coverage on social media.

Right across the street from Sneed’s is the Powerhouse Community Art Center — home to The Yoknapatawpha Art Council (YAC). The council’s director, Wayne Andrews, sees the mural as an encouraging sign.

“Having a local business, like Sneed’s, who is an active part of the business and cultural community demonstrates how an investment in their space can highlight their passion for the community while providing a public art project that can be sustained,”  Andrews said.  

The mural is just part of a new focus on beautifying local businesses. Other locally-funded projects coming soon to Oxford include a rooftop “sky garden” at The Chancellor’s House hotel, which is set to open October 16.  The Kroger grocery store is also expected to include the work of local artists once new renovations are complete.   

Story contributed by Allen Brewer.