On April 17, at 6:00 PM, a reception for muralist Ray Harvey, and the unveiling of his first mural in Arizona, will take place at Mudd on 66, 217 E Andy Devine Avenue (Route 66), Kingman, Arizona. 

Harvey is a critically acclaimed muralist that has been a featured artist for the Missouri Arts Council. He is known as the patriotic muralist and a current project is a series of public art displays that has resulted in Concordia, Missouri being labeled as the states “Patriotic Mural City.” After completing 26 large public murals in Hannibal’s historic business district, he was given the key to the city. 

The Kingman Proud mural to be unveiled on Wednesday evening was completed in the style of classic large letter linen postcards of the 1940s and 1950s. The uniquely colorful American styling of blocky, three-dimensional letters packed with illustrations of scenic or local sights was developed by Curt Teich in 1931. This will be the first of two murals being created in Kingman by Harvey. 

Even before completion, the mural was already proving to be a popular photo stop for Route 66 travelers. While working on the project Harvey recently noted, “today I think we only spoke to a few English-speaking American citizens. Two from Czechoslovakia, one from French Polynesia and this cool guy from Milan, Corrado! Fun to talk to and excited as could be to be traveling on Route 66 in Arizona.”

The reception will provide visitors and residents with an opportunity to experience the excitement of the renaissance that is transforming the historic business district in Kingman.