Golden Hour: Sunflowers at Southaven’s Silo Square

At the epicenter of DeSoto County, Mississippi, lies the city of Southaven. Known for its supreme growth since its inception in 1980, Southaven is the go-to spot for city-living amenities with a small-town feel. The area’s newest development, Silo Square, brings the charm of a historic town square, with classic architecture, and locally owned businesses, restaurants and shops.

When the Silo Square project was first announced in 2018, longtime residents of the city would often ask, “What about the sunflowers?” Sunflowers, you see, are a very big part of this area of Southaven.

“The land where Silo Square is now used to be a half-acre sunflower field,” explained Lexie Hill, director of marketing and real estate for Silo Square. “The Snowden family would plant and pick sunflowers by hand, and sometimes sell them at the farmers market. Mostly though, Mrs. Snowden would give them to friends and family to enjoy.”

Developer Brian Hill purchased the land from the Snowden family and wanted to ensure this part of the city’s history was honored and preserved. Murals were always in the plans for the square, and Brian and Lexie knew exactly what they wanted the works to feature – sunflowers. So, who was going to paint such an important piece of art?

Here’s where artists Joe Sawyer and Rodney Leath come in, co-owners of S&L Mural Company. Joe and Rodney established their business in early 2022, but have known each other for years. Both heavily pursued art in their spare time while managing day jobs – Joe a pediatric flight nurse and Rodney a marketing and graphic design executive. In 2020, the two reconnected when Rodney asked Joe to create art for a product line for his business. Coincidentally, Joe had just left his nursing career to pursue art full-time and was thrilled to take on the work. Six months later, the two officially went into business together and the rest, they say, is history.

S&L Mural Company bridges both artists’ styles and years of experience. Each had done murals before, but the Silo Square project was their first together.

“We both have separate, distinct styles and business knowledge, so it was important for us to develop a tailored process and approach,” said Joe. “When we approached Brian Hill about a mural, we didn’t know it was already in their plans. He took a chance on a new company, and we are forever grateful for the opportunity he gave us.”

Joe and Rodney created concepts from Brian and Lexie’s ideas, with designs first done digitally so they could easily collaborate.

“The color choice was important to us,” said Lexie. “When you typically think of sunflowers, they’re yellow; however, Mrs. Snowden always incorporated unique and colorful varieties. We, too, wanted to include those unique and colorful sunflowers into Silo Square.”

          
Creation of the mural took more than 260 hours from June-August 2022. Major work went into the facade first, prepping the reclaimed brick with many coats of primer. The majority of the paint was brushed on by hand with finishing accents done with a sprayer.

“I've been drawing, building and creating since I can remember,” said Rodney. “What I can't remember are times when I didn't enjoy using my hands to create things. This project with Joe, and our business together, has given us both purpose.”

They’re embracing that purpose, and have fully immersed themselves in the arts and giving back to the communities that have given so much to them. Currently, the duo is working with the City of Olive Branch and Olive Branch High School’s art programs to give students the opportunity to help create murals around town. They want to expose students to real-life scenarios so they can learn about profiting from their work in the future.

So, what’s next for Silo Square? More murals. And, S&L Mural Company will be there with paint brushes in hand.

“Southaven residents and visitors, hundreds if not thousands, have enjoyed the sunflower mural since its completion,” said Lexie. “A second permanent mural, also paying tribute to the history of the land, will begin this fall.”

During your next visit to DeSoto County, stop and see Southaven’s Silo Square sunflower mural in all its glory at 2903 May Boulevard, in between Custom Jewelry and Fresh Valley Juice & Salad Bar. Be sure to take a pic and tag @visitdesotocty and @silosquarems!