Artist paints historic grain silo in Tiptonville
TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. (KBSI) – A historic 90-foot tall concrete grain silo in Tiptonville, Tennessee is the canvas for an American flag and eagle mural.
The grain silo was painted by muralist Farley Lewis and his son, Andrew. The project began with the collaboration of America’s Muralist, Raine W. Clotfelter, and Katrina Greer, Director of Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council.
Greer’s love of Reelfoot Lake, history, preservation and tourism prompted her to research the possibility of promoting tourism and retail development at the Reelfoot Lake area using the silo as a landmark.
After she saw Raine Clotfelter’s Freedom Silos in Monette, Missouri and Madison County, Ohio, Greer invited Raine to visit Reelfoot Lake and the Tiptonville Silos.
Tiptonville Mayor Cliff Berry, Jr., Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council Board members and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development collaborated to plan the silo project.
Reelfoot Lake is home to more than 90 eagle nests. So, that inspired Raine’s design of the American flag and eagle mural on 70 foot by 80 foot of the 90 foot silo.
Award-winning artist Farley Lewis was commissioned for the painting. He left his creative mark on America through murals including mural work for Bass Pro Shops since 2007. Over four decades, he has painted murals in Africa, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico and all across the USA.
In January 2018, Farley stepped away from his role as a pastor. Now, through paintings, workshops, videos, murals, and house portraits, he shares the beauty he captures on canvas with the world. His art celebrates nature and reveals something of the divine artist’s heart.
Farley’s silos connect rural communities through art and inviting travelers to experience America’s scenic wonders.
Lake County was established in 1870. It was named after Reelfoot Lake, which formed due to a series of earthquakes in 1811-1812. Tiptonville is the county seat.
The local economy centers around agriculture, with cotton and soybeans as the chief crops. Lake County also has several Tennessee Century Farms. Cotton gins once operated alongside the Illinois Central Railroad tracks, ginning as much as forty bales per day in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This historic group of silos including two 90 foot tall, two 70 foot tall and two 50 foot tall were built in 1965 for storage of soybeans, corn, and wheat for the Lake County Seed Company. The neighboring cottonseed oil mill was active from 1906 to 1971.
