Unions' Public Art Blog

Marching Mizzou at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Marching Mizzou in NYC      Marching Mizzou is freshly back from their whirlwind trip to New York City, where they were one of 12 bands featured in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Not only did they participate in the parade, but they got the ball rolling on this Thanksgiving tradition by leading the parade behind the Tom Turkey float. They also had the chance to perform with Lea Michele and the cast of the hit Broadway musical Funny Girl. They marched a total of over two miles while playing an arrangement of songs by Mizzou Alum Sheryl Crow.      True to their history of excellence and tradition, Marching Mizzou was back at Faurot Filed to help fans cheer on the Tigers. Marching Mizzou will join fans and the team once again as the Tigers take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, FL, later this month.     History of Marching Mizzou   Marching Mizzou, M2, or ...

National Native American Heritage Month (also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month) is celebrated annually throughout the month of November. What began as a mutually exclusive effort by different American Indigenous Peoples and groups across the United States to establish a Native American Day, became a resolution in 1990, when President George H. W. Bush approved November as National Native American Heritage Month. Today, this month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories that acknowledge the important contributions of America’s indigenous peoples. This month is also an opportunity to educate the general public about Indigenous cultures and geography, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native Peoples have faced, both historically and in the present, and the ways Indigenous Peoples have worked to conquer these challenges.  The exhibition for this month highlights the seven different tribes that once occupied ...

October brings crisp air, colorful fall foliage, and the spirit of tradition to Columbia as we celebrate Mizzou's annual homecoming!  Steeped in tradition that dates back to 1911, Mizzou celebrates homecoming each October with community events, service projects, campus decorations, and of course a football game. Since the inaugural celebration, homecoming has looked different accommodating for the Great Depression, wartime, protests, and social unrest. No matter the circumstances, Mizzou Tigers always find a way to celebrate their stripes during this special time.  Homecoming through the Decades The first homecoming game against kU in 1911. In 1937, Mizzou named its first Homecoming Queen, Patricia Martineau. House decorations were introduced in the 1930s and remain a beloved part of Homecoming.  A tradition is amended, as the Homecoming Court is changed to consist of a queen and king in 1977. In 1985, the student body elected its first Black Homecoming queen and k...

From Jon Hamm to Sheryl Crow, Michael Sam and J'Den Cox, (and almost Brad Pitt), the University of Missouri has no shortage of famous alumni. One of the most beloved members of the Tiger family is cartoonist Mort Walker, whose cartoon tales highlighted everyday American life while paying homage to his Alma Mater. Mort Walker Addison Mort Walker (1923 - 2018) was an artist and comic strip creator best known for the creation of Beetle Bailey, a beloved military private who was known for his chronic laziness and juvenile behavior. Walker first arrived at Mizzou in 1943 at age 20 but was drafted only a semester later to serve in World War II. During the war, he served in Italy as an intelligence officer. Walker returned to Mizzou in 1946 and like many other veterans, he found adjusting to civilian life difficult. While Walker hoped to major in journalism, a disagreement over perquisites led the way for him to change his major before graduation. During his time at Mizzou, Walker was ...