The City of Dayton is proudly celebrating the completion of two new murals, which now grace the exterior walls of local businesses at 304 N. Church St. and 201 E. Clayton St. These vibrant additions were commissioned by the Dayton Enhancement Committee and supported by the Dayton Economic Development Corporation, bringing the city’s mural count to eight.
Crosby, Texas-based artist Michael Criswell was selected for these latest projects, adding his touch to Dayton’s growing mural collection. The first mural, located on the side of the B&H Club at 304 N. Church St., pays homage to the importance of the railroad in Dayton’s history. Situated right next to the railroad tracks, the mural features a detailed train with the number “77535,” Dayton’s zip code, prominently displayed. This mural also highlights the American Rice Growers rice dryer, an iconic structure that is currently being demolished as the city prepares for future development. Adding to its charm, the mural depicts a vintage railroad ticket booth.
At 201 E. Clayton St., another of Criswell’s murals has been painted on the side of Juan Carranco’s State Farm office. This artwork is a tribute to the U.S. military, featuring the iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima. For Carranco, who immigrated to the United States in 1996, this image resonates deeply with his passion for American patriotism and the sacrifices made for freedom.
“When we talked about it, I already knew this is the one I wanted,” Carranco said, emphasizing the importance of the image. He noted that the mural has already received positive feedback from the community and shared plans to install uplighting to ensure the mural can be appreciated both day and night.
Speaking on behalf of the Dayton Enhancement Committee, Susan Simmons expressed gratitude to the Dayton Economic Development Corporation for their support in making the mural projects possible.
“These murals would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the City of Dayton and the Dayton Economic Development Corporation,” Simmons said, adding, “I find humor in the train mural as we have added another train to Dayton.”
Dayton residents have long had a love-hate relationship with the city’s trains. While the railroads are an essential part of Dayton’s history, economic future and identity, they have also become a source of frustration for many. One train intersection, in particular, located on US 90 west of town, is notorious for frequently halting traffic for extended periods, often disrupting daily routines. This struggle has even led to the creation of a dedicated Facebook page for the train, where locals share their experiences and frustrations. The train crossing has also inspired country music artist Zach Aaron to write a song titled ‘The Dayton Train.’
Explaining that the two murals were primarily created using “rattle can” paint, Criswell added that he also uses airbrushing techniques for finer details and effects. Criswell is no stranger to Dayton, having also painted the floral mural at Dayton Family Medical Clinic and the water tank mural near the splash pad at Parker Park.
Other local artists have contributed to Dayton’s mural landscape as well. Cherry Meekins, of Meek Cherry Artistry, is behind the Bear in the Bathtub mural at Bear Plumbing and the mural on the Texas Kountry Kitchen building. Meanwhile, Mary Victoria Fielder Taylor’s work can be seen in the Higher Ground mural on E. Clayton St.
Seems like repairing the streets would enhance the town more. Dayton breeds clowns.
this is just like the stupid horses under the 321 under pass .money wasted we need street repairs and drainage repairs more and painting a building