Friends, family and officials attended a powerful moment of community pride on Monday as a new mural honoring former U.S. Congressman and Eufaula native J.C. Watts is officially dedicated at City Hall. Sponsored by Vision Eufaula, the public art project pays tribute not only to one of the town’s most influential leaders, but also tells the broader story of Eufaula’s heritage and the people who helped shape it.

The mural was brought to life by Oklahoma artist Jack Fowler, whose work is widely known for capturing the spirit and stories of the state’s people. Fowler developed the rendering of J.C. Watts with the intention of honoring both the man and the community that shaped him. Fowler’s involvement helps ensure that the mural not only reflects Watts’ achievements, but also connects visually to Eufaula’s heritage and the values Vision Eufaula aims to highlight in its revitalization projects.

“We realized we didn’t need to reach into the distant past to find a Eufaula native to honor. Congressman Watts’ achievements in sports and politics made him a pretty obvious choice. Plus, it was really cool to watch his family show up and paint the piece, and even FaceTime him while they were painting it. That wasn’t really an option with most of the honorees we chose in past years, and it really drove home the feeling that this is community art,” Fowler said.

The mural, located prominently on the City Hall grounds, features a striking depiction of Watts, athlete, pastor, businessman and statesman, whose journey from small-town Oklahoma to the national stage remains a hallmark of perseverance and public service. As Eufaula residents and visitors gathered for the dedication, the artwork stands as a reminder of the impact one individual can make on both home and country.

This week’s dedication ceremony at City Hall brought together community members, local leaders, and visitors to commemorate the unveiling.

“It was truly a privilege to be a part of honoring Congressman J.C. Watts. One of his great qualities is that he truly cares for people and especially for his hometown community, Eufaula,” Eufaula Mayor James Hickman said.

Friends and family shared stories of J.C., his close connection to Eufaula and his contributions to Oklahoma. The event was filled with heartfelt support, enduring friendships, and an outpouring of love.

“I would like to extend a sincere appreciation to VisionEufaula and Jack Fowler for allowing us to participate in the outstanding tribute to JC Watts, the paint by number mural, which was unveiled yesterday and is now displayed at city hall. It was an emotional experience marked by tears of joy and happiness, making it a truly memorable occasion,” family member Leslie Bassett said.

Born and raised in Eufaula, J.C. Watts first gained statewide recognition as the standout quarterback for the University of Oklahoma Sooners, where he led the team to two Big Eight Championships and earned MVP honors in the 1981 and 1982 Orange Bowls. After college and a brief stint in Canadian football, Watts followed a path of ministry before entering public office. In 1994, he was elected to represent Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District, becoming one of the most prominent political voices of his time and the first Black Republican elected to Congress from the state. During his eight years in Washington, he gained national visibility for his leadership roles, including serving as Chairman of the House Republican Conference.

Beyond politics, Watts built a career in business and public advocacy, with a continued focus on education, economic development, and faith-based initiatives. His ties to Oklahoma—and to Eufaula— have always remained strong.

The mural is part of Vision Eufaula’s ongoing mission to revitalize, beautify, and strengthen the community through public art, preservation, and collaborative projects that highlight Eufaula’s rich history. Vision, under the direction of Karen Weldin, focuses on initiatives that inspire civic pride, support local businesses, and create meaningful spaces that tell the story of the people who came before and those who are shaping the community today.

This latest project accomplishes exactly that. By honoring Watts, Vision Eufaula emphasizes the importance of reflecting on heritage, leadership, and identity. Eufaula’s success as a community is deeply connected to those who have paved the way— teachers, athletes, leaders, public servants, and families whose roots run deep in the region. The mural serves as both a celebration of achievement and a visual reminder of the values that built Eufaula: hard work, resilience, and the belief that a small-town kid can make a big impact.

“Karen Weldin and Vision Eufaula have been a driver of real, positive, tangible change in Eufaula for years, and I’ve been truly honored to be a small part of that. Coming back to town to do these paint-bynumber pieces is one of the things I really look forward to every year. Watching folks paint these panels—nervous and self-conscious at first, then loosening up and growing more confident, then proud when they finish, stepping back to admire what they just created—it’s really cool, and gratifying for me. It’s the purest form of public art I’ve ever been a part of. I’m looking forward to next year already,” Fowler said.

As the mural becomes a part of Eufaula’s landscape, it stands as a testament to Watts, a group dedicated to uplifting the community, one project at a time and to the power of celebrating those who helped build the foundation for future generations.