First Mural Appears on Main Street in Ramona

A colorful new sight greets motorists at the intersection of Main and 10th streets in downtown Ramona. It's the Casey Tibbs themed mural, the first of many such art projects planned for the business district.

Tibbs was a nationally renowned rodeo champion and stunt actor, who passed away at his home in Ramona in 1990. He was originally from South Dakota.

The mural in his honor, on the Town and Country Home Loans tower, is the result of efforts by the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. Organizers aim to boost the town's economy by increasing tourism through walking tours to visit various murals. The art projects are designed to beautify local buildings and celebrate Ramona's cultural heritage, according to the group's website.

The Tibbs mural was painted by John and Jeanne Whelan, who painted the Charles Lindbergh mural at San Diego's Lindbergh Field airport, Stephanie Norvell of the mural project group told Patch.

The public can visit with the muralists Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot behind Town and Country Home Loans.

Lettering on the building was freshly painted Friday by Hal Snyder and Greg Creswell.