New Robert Dafford Mural Adds to Louisiana’s City of Murals

Louisiana's City of Murals Celebrates Cultural Heritage Through Expanded Mural Project

RAYNE, La. – The City of Rayne, officially recognized by the state as Louisiana’s City of Murals, continues to leverage public art as a primary driver of cultural tourism with its most recent unveiling by Robert Dafford.

What began as a beautification initiative in 1990, Rayne’s mural project has evolved into an outdoor gallery featuring over 30 installations that document the unique history of this Acadia Parish community.

“Our murals are more than just decoration; they are our heritage in technicolor,” said a city official.

Visitors are invited to explore the new and refreshed murals, which feature visual narratives ranging from the city’s 19th-century frog export roots to its mid-century contributions to NASA’s space program.

Each mural offers a unique window into the events that shaped Louisiana’s City of Murals.

The collection of murals features work by muralist Robert Dafford, whose early commissions helped establish Rayne’s artistic reputation. The latest mural was commissioned through the generous donation of businessman and philanthropist Dale Trahan.

The surprise Robert Dafford mural unveiling and mural kick-off program took place on Saturday, April 18, in front of the Piggly Wiggly Store at 702 S. Adams Ave.

Robert Dafford’s Relationship to Louisiana’s City of Murals and Frogs

“I appreciate Acadia Parish,” said Dafford, whose early art career intertwines with Rayne, a city also known as “The Frog Capital of the World.”

Dafford shared that in the late 80’s, he began painting frog murals, which was the start of Rayne’s journey to receiving the City of Murals title from the Louisiana legislature. Since his name was attached to this milestone for Rayne, Dafford said, “The city of Rayne helped me get a lot of recognition early in my career.”

Dafford has done six total murals in Rayne and hopes to do six more.

Sharing that the painted frogs are endangered, Dafford said, “They’re a global species. They’re in trouble because the forests they live in are disappearing. And I just think it’s terrific that the city of Rayne is interested in calling attention to all kinds of frogs. The ones that grow here, the bullfrogs that we like to eat so much, they’re doing fine. But they (City of Rayne) want to be friends to all the frogs, and I think it’s great.”

One mural in Rayne that Dafford shared he is especially proud of is the giant bullfrog “stepping out of the scene at the twilight hour,” located at the main intersection in the city.