Terry Staton views the art he creates as an extension of himself. The Doniphan artist said “painting what I love” is the source of inspiration for all his pieces.
His latest work, entitled “The Gathering Place,” is a commissioned mural being painted in the newly remodeled Doniphan Senior Center.
Staton said he was playing music with his band, Borderline, at the senior center a few months ago and was approached by the center’s staff to “do something with the blank wall” in the refurbished dining room. A short time later Staton was given approval by the center’s administration to begin the painting.
Doniphan Senior Center Administrator Tina Sharp said public response to the mural has been fantastic. “I think it’s great. We’ve had lots of comments on it when people come in.”
The mural tells the story of a homey front porch and all the activities and people who make up the scene. Staton was inspired by the front porches of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. He noted porches were the “gathering together and fellowship place” for communities in those days. Staton wants all who see the mural to recognize the familiar by viewing “something they remember and associate with.”
At completion, the mural will have taken Staton approximately three months to finish. The final reveal will take place during the first few weeks of May.
After 30 years as a freelance artist, Staton said the best thing about creating is putting “smiles on people’s faces with what I do.” His hope is the Doniphan Senior Center mural “will bring cheerfulness to all who see it.”
The Doniphan Senior Center is located at 714 E. Washington St. in Doniphan.