Community Recreates Robert E. Smith Mural in Springfield

Organizers have rebuilt the Springfield, Missouri outsider artist's downtown mural after a March painting over of the original.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Painting

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a brick wall with a flat painted landscape of Ozark hills and a leaning ladder, evoking a restored downtown mural. — Volunteers and regional muralists have recreated Robert E. Smith's Springfield, Missouri mural on North Boonville Avenue after the original was painted over in March. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should property owners be allowed to paint over beloved public murals without community input?

Community organizers have recreated the Robert E. Smith mural on the 300 block of North Boonville Avenue in downtown Springfield, Missouri, after the original was painted over in March. The replica is complete apart from a protective clear sealant.

Why it matters

The original mural was painted over to prepare the exterior wall for a large eagle honoring U.S. military veterans, prompting public outcry from local artists, historians, and downtown advocates. The restoration reflects how local communities are working to preserve artwork tied to Springfield's identity.

The business owner who painted over the original mural donated $5,000 toward the restoration. Donations covered paint, lift rentals, and artist compensation, but the total cost of the project was not disclosed.

The players

Robert E. Smith

Robert E. Smith was a Missouri outsider artist known for depictions of Springfield street scenes and Ozarks life, who died in 2010.

The details

A pair of regional muralists replicated the original artwork, which depicted Springfield street scenes and Ozarks life, after organizers launched a crowdfunding campaign. Organizers plan to announce a formal public unveiling and dedication ceremony once the protective sealant is applied in suitable weather.

Robert E. Smith died in 2010.
The original mural was painted over in March.
The recreated mural article was published November 4, 2026, with the replica nearly complete.

Legacy Context

The recreation extends the legacy of Robert E. Smith, a Missouri outsider artist who documented Springfield street scenes and Ozarks life. Restoring one of his downtown works after its loss reflects a broader effort to preserve the city's visual history.

Residents and visitors to downtown Springfield can view the recreated mural along North Boonville Avenue once it is finished. The public unveiling and dedication ceremony will give the community a formal opportunity to see the completed work.

The takeaway

Community fundraising and volunteer effort can restore public artwork that has been lost, even after the original is painted over. Supporting local murals and documenting regional artists helps keep Springfield's visual history visible.