News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Jackson set to cut the ribbon for a brand-new mural in downtown Gainesboro Saturday morning at 10:30.
Chamber of Commerce Director Hope Vargas said that the chamber worked with Belmont University on the design. She said that they wanted to highlight the Chevrolet building because it is an interesting part of Gainesboro’s history.
“The Gainesboro Chevrolet museum is actually the oldest standing Chevrolet building in the world,” Vargas said. “So Manny finalized the Belmont design and ultimately decided on the 1952 Model which was one of the years that our dealership was open in downtown Gainesboro.”
Vargas said that the mural design was finalized by artist and muralist Manny Fuentes. Fuentes has done murals all across the Upper Cumberland, including another mural recently completed in Jackson County. Vargas said that they chose Fuentes because of his talent, his connection to the Upper Cumberland, and what he brings to the table.
“We always want to spark creativity and drive in our younger generations but especially in our minority populations,” Vargas said. “Manny was born in Mexico, he has been through many hardships, but he’s turned those difficulties into a thriving business and we want more of those celebratory stories like Manny’s.”
Vargas said that the mural is just another step in a larger mission to beautify and enhance downtown Gainesboro. She said that the Chamber is working to help make Gainesboro and the entirety of Jackson County a place where tourists will want to stop and locals will be proud of.
