In 2010, Gaylon Lawrence Jr. purchased the town of Wilson from Lee Wilson Inc. which was one of the few remaining corporate towns in the United States. Lawrence had a vision of innovation and renewal by revitalizing the town’s unique tutor architecture; establish a co-educational school system titled The Delta School; to promote Wilson as an arts, cultural, and fine dining destination; and to build a state-of-the-art museum and education center to celebrate Wilson’s early Native American archeological sites.
To celebrate Wilson’s innovation and renewal, a school wide discussion between students and school staff took place. A total of seven logos were created after the meeting with each celebrating many aspects of Wilson. Stencils of the logos were created then painted on a popular walking trail surrounding the former Wilson Trade School. The trade school served as a public school for African American students from 1925 through 1970. The idea was that community members would walk the trail to reflect on each of the symbols in the hopes to create a discussion which would eventually lead to the choosing of a logo for the new town of Wilson.
Thank you to the Arkansas Arts Council and the City of Wilson for their support. Lastly, thank you to the students and staff at The Delta School.
