An internationally known artist will be featured during the month of July at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, with plans to complete a community mural.
Paul Jackson designed the original Missouri commemorative state quarter, has three times designed the presidential Easter eggs for the White House and has been recognized many times within the art community.
An opening reception will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the museum for Jackson.
A community mural project will also be organized from July 13-25 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers College Campus.
Jackson is donating his services to the community, said Steve Whitworth, art museum director.
The artist has had a love for the community since his first solo exhibit at the MHAM in 1990, when he was 22, Whitworth said.
Friends of the MHAM purchased "The Celebration of Light," which went on to win Jackson's first major award, the Hardie Gramatky Memorial Award from the American Watercolor Society in 1992.
Jackson has since earned a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Missouri, as well as become a signature member of both the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society.
Work on the mural will begin Friday, July 13.
"Paul will lead a team of artists in painting the entire exterior north facade of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center ...," Whitworth said. "Paul is donating his time and guidance to this large-scale project."
Sponsors have been secured to cover the estimated paint costs of $15,000, Whitworth said.
Southern Bank of Poplar Bluff is the platinum sponsor, Commerce Bank of Poplar Bluff is the gold sponsor and First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff is the silver sponsor for these efforts, Whitworth said.
"We thank those folks for funding a lasting legacy for Poplar Bluff and the surrounding area," he said.
A watercolor workshop with Jackson will also be hosted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Cost for this class will be $495 for 30 hours of instruction, Whitworth said.
The museum will host a dinner with Jackson on July 27. Cost will be $30 per person and include barbecue from Mike and Zach's, as well as wine, beer and soft drinks.
The Walmart Foundation is sponsoring the dinner and reception, Whitworth said. Refreshments will be served during the opening reception.
Additional funding was provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.