Local News: Freedom Silo, Reelfoot Lake is finished and can be visited (08/23/24)

Painting of “Freedom Silo Reelfoot Lake” in Tiptonville, Tennessee was completed on August 15, 2024.

State Gazette photo/William Northcutt

SPECIAL FOR THE STATE NEWSPAPER

A historic 90-foot-tall concrete grain silo serves as the canvas for a mural featuring the American flag and an eagle, painted by famed muralist Farley Lewis and his son Andrew. This project began in collaboration with American muralist Raine W. Clotfelter and Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council Director Katrina Greer. Greer's love of Reelfoot Lake, history, conservation and tourism led her to explore the possibility of promoting tourism and retail development in the Reelfoot Lake area while using the silo as a landmark.

Greer invited Raine to visit Reelfoot Lake and the Tiptonville silos. Planning for the Freedom Silo Reelfoot Lake was set in motion. Planning continued with Tiptonville Mayor Cliff Berry, Jr., board members of the Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Reelfoot Lake is home to over 90 eagle nests, and this inspired Raine's design of a mural featuring the American flag and eagle on a 70-by-80-foot section of the silo. Farley Lewis was then commissioned to do the painting.

An award-winning artist, Lewis left his creative mark on America with his murals, including work for Bass Pro Shops. Over the next four decades, he painted murals in Africa, the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, and across the United States. In January 2018, Farley resigned from his role as a pastor and now shares his artistic talents through paintings, workshops, videos, murals, and home portraits. His art celebrates nature and reveals something of the heart of the divine artist.

The silo is located at Highway 78, 201 Carl Perkins Parkway, Tiptonville.