Despite its rich history in agriculture, members of the Aledo FFA Chapter in Texas are concerned their community is losing sight of its agricultural roots.
Located just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the community of Aledo has long been known for cattle production and has even been called the Ranch Horse Capital of the World. Aledo also hosts the Parker County Peach Festival.
“This community has become more suburban over the last 10 years, and many of our agricultural farms and businesses have become housing developments and industrial companies,” says Krysti Kelley, Aledo FFA advisor and agriculture teacher. “Many people have no idea of the significance of agriculture in Aledo and Parker County.”
To preserve the agricultural heritage of its community, Aledo FFA recently designed and constructed a mural project called “Painting the Past.
The idea for the mural originated during their chapter officer retreat in 2021. Officers wanted to recognize their community’s traditional agriculture background.
Aledo FFA started the project by researching the history of agriculture in the community. Chapter members and advisors spoke with historians and community members to gather elements to incorporate into the mural design. Once research was complete, the chapter's Strengthening Agriculture Committee created a mural design.
Aledo FFA partnered with local professional muralist Lisa Voight to bring the mural design to life. Voight is also the parent of an Aledo FFA Chapter officer. She met with committee members to provide suggestions on the design and volunteered her time to paint the mural.
The Aledo FFA Chapter reached out to the community for assistance in funding supplies needed for the mural.
"We collected funds during our FFA kickoff meeting at the beginning of the year, and students in our agriculture program donated as well," says Tiffany Holland, Aledo FFA advisor and agriculture teacher. "More than $600 was raised."
On Sept. 5, 2022, Aledo FFA members, parents and advisors constructed and primed the mural frame. Painting was completed Sept. 19. The mural's hanging mechanism was installed, and the mural was put in place Sept. 20.
"We hosted a community mural dedication on Sept. 21 where two of our chapter members, Kaylee Hopkins and Jacob Ellerbusch, shared the significance of the mural and thanked Mrs. Voight for her time and dedication," advisor Krysti Kelley says.
The mural took two weeks to complete, including long days, nights and weekends. "I was more than happy to donate my time," says muralist Lisa Voight. "Through Aledo FFA, my son and these kids are learning the value of hard work, dedication, public speaking, problem solving, teamwork and time management, and they are creating meaningful, long-lasting friendships. The ag teachers pour their heart and soul into these kids. FFA is truly a remarkable program."
Aledo FFA members wanted the mural to be in a highly visible part of the community to increase its impact and exposure. After considering multiple locations, they decided the mural would be best displayed on the side of their agriculture building at Aledo High School. Its location along a major road will allow thousands of people to see it every week.
The mural's design incorporates several elements important to local agriculture. The “A” of Aledo represents local farms that helped form the town. The “L” highlights cattle production, as five area cattle ranches have been the heart and soul of Aledo since its founding. The “E” pays tribute to local grain and feed production company Bryant Grain, as well as the Aledo train that carries agricultural commodities through town.
The letter “D” honors the county's reputation for growing peaches and hosting the Parker County Peach Festival. The letter “O” pays homage to the farms and ranches that formed the community, and the letters “FFA” include an owl, plow, rising sun, corn and eagle. Finally, the horse and rider in the background represent the significance of ranch horses in Parker County.
Aledo FFA members hope the mural will serve as a reminder of their community's agricultural roots for many years to come.
"It has already become a staple backdrop for photos, and it is not uncommon to see it on social media platforms within our community," Krysti Kelley says. "We hope that by exposing agricultural consumers to the rich agricultural background of Aledo that they will continue to support agriculturalists and our agriculture science program at Aledo Independent School District."
