Fort Smith CVB asking for local photos to create mural

The Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is renovating the new Fort Smith Visitors Center at 524 Garrison Ave., for an opening later this year and needs local photos to help with its vision.

The new location will feature two, one-of-a-kind interior murals “meant to capture the heart and history of Fort Smith,” according to a news release from the Fort Smith CVB.

The murals will be composed of hundreds of photos, both historical and contemporary. But first the CVB needs photos. It is asking community members to submit two to three personal photos to be used for the creation.

One mural will highlight Fort Smith’s history using historical photos, while the second will focus on contemporary images taken in and around the city, showcasing the present-day and future of Fort Smith.

The news release said this is an opportunity for residents to share their perspective and memories through photography and contribute to a collaborative visual history of the city.

“We’re excited for the community to be a part of creating these murals,” said CVB Executive Director Ashleigh Bachert. “This art will tell the story of Fort Smith, blending the old with the new, and we want the people who make this city great to come together and help us create them.”

Bachert said they elected to go with the mural for multiple reasons. The first is that the city is full of art, from its public murals to numerous galleries, and it’s a way for the CVB to continue this theme and integration with the community.

“Second, when visitors come to the visitors center, I want them to see our community’s history and feel our warmth. Our opportunity to do this through pictures from the community makes this a truly one-of-a-kind piece to make a quick and impactful first impression,” Bachert said.

She said she wants the space to reflect the community and for the community to feel part of the work done there.

“There is no better way to ensure that we encompass the community than to have them help us build out this mural. I love that community members will be able to find themselves, their families, or friends on the same wall, which will help us welcome visitors to Fort Smith daily,” Bachert said.

Those wanting to participate can submit up to three personal photos for consideration. Photos may be from any time period but must meet the following criteria at least 1 MB in size. No professional photos can be accepted because of copyright restrictions. All photos must be taken in Fort Smith.

Link here to submit photos by Oct. 6.