The Southwest Arkansas Arts Council held a nationwide competition in search of a team of artists. A panel of expert jurors selected David Griggs of Denver and Paul Hester of Fayetteville for the artwork. Jim Hirschfield and Sonja Ishii of Chapel Hill designed the accompanying plaza area. The artwork, designed to evoke the sense of a passing passenger train, draws on the area's history while serving as a metaphor for momentum as Hope moves forward into the 21st century. Installation of one-half of the Heritage Wall is complete.
Plans are in place for the remainder of the project.
The wall has become a visitor destination in the community and is a good example of how a public art project can bring together an entire community.