Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Miller, Beth

Committee Member

Kemp, Leah

Committee Member

Campbell, Critz

Committee Member

Fulton, Glen, Jr.

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Historic Preservation

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Interior Design

Abstract

Public murals that depict elements of local culture and history are a creative placemaking tool increasingly used by preservationists invested in the revitalization of their historic districts. As this trend rises, it becomes necessary for preservationists to ask what should be painted, restored, or left alone? Research on public murals neglects Southern mid-sized towns, considerations of existing murals, and historic architecture used as substrates. Rectifying this omission and employing geographic surveys and stakeholder interviews, this study seeks to expand which genres of murals are considered for their creative placemaking value. Normally distinguished primarily by source in literature, community murals, ghost signs, and graffiti are all identified in this study as existing genres in Meridian with shared trends in content. When the surveyed murals were evaluated in relation to the historic designations of the buildings supporting them, several existing ghost signs were identified as ideal investments for continued revitalization efforts.

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