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Freedom Silo
The painting of the “Freedom Silo – Tiptonville” began in Tiptonville
(Lake Co.) Tennessee. The mural is expected to be completed late this
summer or early fall.
A historic 90’ tall concrete grain silo is the canvas for an impressive
American flag and eagle mural, painted by renowned muralist Farley Lewis
and his son, Andrew. This project began with the collaboration of
America’s Muralist, Raine W. Clotfelter, and Katrina Greer, Director of
Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council. Greer’s combined love of Reelfoot Lake,
history, preservation and tourism prompted her to research the
possibility of promoting tourism and retail development at the Reelfoot
Lake area using the silo as a landmark. Upon seeing Raine Clotfelter’s
Freedom Silos in Monette, MO and Madison County, Ohio, Greer invited
Raine to visit Reelfoot Lake and the Tiptonville Silos. The planning of
Freedom Silo 3—Tiptonville, TN was set in motion.
The silo project began with the collaboration and planning with
Tiptonville Mayor, Cliff Berry, Jr, Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council Board
Members, and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. Reelfoot
Lake is home to over 90 eagle nests, and this inspired Raine’s design of
the American flag and eagle mural on 70’x80’ of the 90’ silo. Farley
Lewis was then commissioned for the painting.
Farley Lewis, an award-winning artist, has left his creative mark on
America through captivating murals including mural work for Bass Pro
Shops since 2007. His journey began with a mural at the age of 20, and
over the next four decades, he has painted murals in Africa, the Middle
East, Canada, Mexico, and all across the USA. In January 2018, Farley
stepped away from his role as a pastor to heed the call of beauty. Now,
through paintings, workshops, videos, murals, and house portraits, he
shares the stirring beauty he captures on canvas with the world. His art
celebrates nature—the ultimate masterpiece—and reveals something of the
divine artist’s heart. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the
glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Farley’s
vibrant silos stand as testament to this truth, connecting rural
communities through art and inviting travelers to experience America’s
scenic wonders.
Lake County, established in 1870, was named after Reelfoot Lake, which
formed due to a series of earthquakes in 1811-1812. Tiptonville serves
as the county seat. The local economy centers around agriculture, with
cotton and soybeans as the chief crops. Lake County boasts several
Tennessee Century Farms. Cotton gins once operated alongside the
Illinois Central Railroad tracks, ginning as much as forty bales per day
in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
This historic group of silos including 2-90’, 2-70’ and 2-50’ were built
in 1965 for storage of soybeans, corn, and wheat for the Lake County
Seed Company. The neighboring cottonseed oil mill was active from 1906
to 1971.
We invite you to visit the Reelfoot Lake area to watch this work as it
progresses over the next couple of months. And visit often to enjoy the
peace and tranquility of our rural area blessed with flora and fauna,
majestic eagles, wildlife, and outdoor activities
For More Info Contact The
Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council
731-253-2007
www.reelfoottourism.com
Page designed by
: Reelfoot.com
All contents except Mallards and David Maass
artwork are property of Reelfoot.com
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