Leaving a Mark

Artist David Freeman and businessperson Tim O’Neal hope the Budweiser Clydesdales mural will become a destination for tourists and locals alike

By Lisa Porterfield Thompson

David Freeman has left many marks on the Ark-La-Tex. He painted the Corrinne Griffith Dr. Pepper mural on the wall of TLC downtown and has painted street murals in other locations such as Sherman, Atlanta, Mt. Pleasant, Paris, Jefferson, Pittsburg, Detroit, and Ft. Worth. Currently, he is working on a new mural in downtown Texarkana: the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on the side of Crossties Event Venue at 324 East Broad Street.

The mural was designed and paid for by Tim O’Neal, president of Eagle Distributing. He said he took inspiration from the Anheuser-Busch campus in St. Louis, as well as from the ranch where the horses are kept, piecing all the images together to make it appealing. “2023 marks the 90th anniversary of the Budweiser Clydesdales, a symbol of the American spirit and the pursuit of excellence,” Tim said. “I wanted to give back to downtown and create a destination for visitors and residents alike.”

Thanks to Tim O’Neal, the Clydesdales were well-received on their visit to Texarkana in 2015.

The mural, which measures 37 feet tall and 87 feet wide, features four pairs of chocolate and white Clydesdale horses, teamed up and hitched in their parade dress, pulling the Budweiser carriage, just like the one used to deliver the first case of beer to D.C. after Prohibition ended in 1933. The horses are depicted trotting down a dirt road, surrounded by lush green grass and soothing hillsides. The two in front are the most dynamic visually, designed to capture their majestic presence and emphasize the horses’ size in reality.

It’s easy to lose grasp of the scale of David’s murals when seen in photographs.

Artist David Freeman was elated to bring the design to life. “I enjoy working one-on-one with a client when they have an idea and see that original idea blossom and transform into a reality that was once only imagined,” he said. “From concept to completion I want the best for the client. The mural is designed and painted in a way that captures a nostalgic glimpse of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and their strong features. The mural conveys a sense of place blending harmoniously with the surrounding architecture and is the visual equivalent of a poem, evoking feeling and emotion. All the design elements work collectively and cohesively together forming the overall visual effect made especially for its location in Texarkana.”

Since the aim for the mural is to attract visitors to downtown, it is important that the piece is of first-class caliber.  “There are very few Budweiser Clydesdale landmarks in the United States,” Tim said, “but the horses have quite a following. More than just a symbol, the Clydesdales are part of the Anheuser-Busch family. The 90th anniversary marks decades of quality care that the Anheuser-Busch community has dedicated to every horse, hitch and product throughout the company’s storied history. This mural will become a destination for tourists and the community alike to take in. Just like the courthouse and post office on State Line Avenue is a destination for visitors and photographers, this mural will become an attraction as well.

“Texarkana is a very historical place to begin with,” Tim continued. “It has a colorful history tied to entertainment and alcohol, but this mural is more than just about drinking beer. It really has nothing to do with that portion of what we do. The Clydesdales are a symbol of excellence and heritage, and that’s what the mural is really about. They evoke a sense of pride and success, and that’s what downtown Texarkana is becoming.”

David painted this large-scale Dr. Pepper mural on a building in Paris, Texas.

Tim believes that the mural will be received well by locals based on the Clydesdales’ visit to Texarkana in 2015. “The whole town really rallied around them and helped us celebrate being named an Anheuser-Busch Ambassador of Excellence and two-time National Champion, so I know there will be lots of interest in a mural to commemorate the experience,” he said. “The crowd really responded to their regal and majestic nature. I think the mural will have the same effect.”

David is grateful to have been chosen for the project. “Being a part of the Texarkana Budweiser Clydesdales Mural is an honor,” he said. “Tim has led the way to excellence in Texarkana, with Eagle Distributing being recognized as second-to-none in the nation.”

David incorporated historic places and content within each letter of this Honey Grove mural.

David’s experience as an artist certainly lends itself to providing the quality artistry that the Clydesdales deserve. He is a freelance illustrator and muralist. “I’ve always loved art in various formats, and for as long as I can remember have been involved in the world of art on one level or another,” David said. “For over 10 years, I’ve been painting and designing as a commercial and residential artist for discerning clients. I enjoy taking a new or outdated space and transforming it into something special working collaboratively.”

David has amassed quite the portfolio of impressive and interesting art over the years, and several times he has bestowed his gift on Texarkana. “As an artist, my goal is to create a reputation for quality by incorporating passion and exacting standards into every project,” he said. “Creating art is a way of life, and my approach is with curiosity, patience and a willingness to stretch and grow as an artist embracing all the twists and turns along the way and enjoying every moment of the process.”

Originally a freight elevator entrance from the 1800s, David transformed this space into a historic building “Buffalo Trace” bar mural.

David’s work has certainly blossomed in the public space where he’s working now. “One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist is the ability to express creatively and to share work with others,” he said. “Art has the power to bring people together and to foster connections, and building connections with others and helping in the community is important.”