New mural unveiled in downtown Springfield

A new mural has officially been installed on a downtown building where a tribute to late Springfield artist Robert E. Smith was painted over late last month.

A ceremony was held March 28 for the mural on the 400 W. Walnut St. building.

The mural depicting a colorful eagle was painted by San Marcos, Texas-based muralist Austin Sepulveda. The art is titled “Isaiah,” after Bible verse Isaiah 40:31.

“I think it is turning out dope,” building owner David Pere said last week, prior to the unveiling event. “Austin is incredibly talented, and we are meeting other artists in the area and lots of community members.” 

Pere is moving his business, FMTM LLC, into the building with the new mural this spring. FMTM, which stands for From Military to Millionaire, offers counseling to service members who want to obtain financial freedom, according to past reporting.

After the mural honoring Smith was painted over during the last weekend of February, some local arts supporters grouped together to repaint the lost work elsewhere. A site has not yet been chosen, according to SBJ reporting last week. 

A GoFundMe titled "Recreate Downtown Springfield's Robert E. Smith Mural" has raised over $17,000 – topping its original $15,000 goal.