Historical Society contracts with artist

On Thursday, March 11, muralist Tracy Foutz-Hunt contracted to paint a mural on the southern wall of the Grady County Museum and History Center, facing the railroad and old train depot. Present to formalize the contract were Linda Stringer, Grady County Historical Society president, and museum director Don Nickerson.

Nickerson hopes Foutz-Hunt can begin working on the mural within the next two weeks, pending approval of the design by Cairo’s Downtown Development Authority and the Cairo City Council.

As of last Thursday, Foutz-Hunt said her finished mural would be 12 feet high by 30 feet wide. Foutz-Hunt plans to make a few minor alterations to her design before she begins painting, according to her and Nickerson.

Foutz-Hunt brought to the signing her design for the mural, which she says is inspired by her love of history and knowledge of trains.

“I’m a history buff, I’ve always been interested in history, and… they were looking for a railroad artist, somebody who knew something about railroads and trains.”

A founding member of the American Society of Railway Artists and a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, Foutz-Hunt is also a part of the Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Artist Collective and says the organization recommended her for the History Center mural.

Tracy Foutz-Hunt is a native of Roanoke, Va., but chose to make the Hospitality City her home sixteen years ago. The artist is no stranger to the Grady County Museum and History Center: she was previously commissioned to paint artwork now on display in the History Center’s model railroad room.

Nickerson said he looks forward to watching Foutz-Hunt transfer her design from canvas to brick.

“We’re fortunate to have an artist of her experience and talent, and we can’t wait to see the final results,” Nickerson said. “It’s going to be exciting.”