05/22/2026
New Rayne murals added to
‘Louisiana’s City of Murals’
RAYNE - In addition to a number of local artists who continue to volunteer their talents for the city’s mural project, world-renowned muralist Robert Dafford re-created the famous “I Only Have Eyes For You” mural, which was unveiled on the morning of Saturday, April 18, at Piggly Wiggly, site of the large panoramic mural that encompasses the entire front wall of the business.
Project leader Denise Underwood welcomed a large crowd in the parking lot of the business, waiting for the unveiling to be held.
Recreated by world-renowned muralist Robert Dafford, the mural commemorates the return of a local favorite. A striking close-up of frog faces, meticulously recreated to honor the return of the beloved, red-eyed tree frogs to the city that once stood at this very location. The artwork was commissioned and funded by local businessman Dale Trahan, owner/operator of Wiggly Piggly.
“I wanted to replace this mural that once stood right here where we are today,” stated Trahan. “We tried to build the store and still keep the old Entex building, but we just couldn’t when we expanded the store. But the red-eye frogs are back and I thank Mr. Dafford for his great work.”
The Rayne mural project, which began 36 years ago by the Rayne Beautification Board, was a vision shared by the Board and three very important people, then Mayor Ralph Stutes, local artist Pat Brignac and Dafford. This legacy brought about Rayne designated as “Louisiana’s City of Murals.”
Rayne Beautification Board Chairman Lisa Moody thanked everyone involved with the ongoing mural project, from day one until now.
Mayor Charles Robichaux also thanked the large number of talented Rayne citizens and area volunteers for their hard work over the past few months.
“This project has helped to put our city on the map,” Robichaux noted. “If you’re traveling and you say ‘frog capital,’ people now know you’re talking about Rayne. That’s special.”
Underwood went on to thank the volunteers, the people behind the scenes who have made this ongoing project a success, including: Jerry Underwood (project co-lead)
“At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Dafford and the local artist and volunteers who worked for months in the heat, rain, and cold afternoons to restore, create, or refresh the murals you see today. I would also like to thank the Rayne Beautification Board for trusting Denise and me to spearhead this mural project. What an adventure for us all!”
He continued, “A group of strangers who bonded over the shared love and passion for art and love for their city began in September of 2025 with well over 500 volunteer hours going into the art found around the community. But, this is only the beginning. Denise and I hope that this shows that everyone can get involved. Share whatever time or talent you have to contribute and enhance our city. Just reach out to an organization or City Hall and ask ‘How can I help?’ We even had the LSUE soccer team come twice to help paint at the I-10 embankment, which is now 90% complete.”
Underwood thanked Trahan and his amazing family for eagerly accepting the proposal to return the red-eyed tree frog mural.
Scott Vallo, the postmaster, was also thanked for “taking a leap” of faith with the new stamp murals installed at the Post Office this week.
Also thank for their ideas and help were Dineen and David Constantin, Robert Credeur of Chef Roy’s, Blaine Dupont, Stewart Laurent, Kevin Meche and the Rayne Sign crew, Darrell Soileaux, Suzette Leonards, the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission. And last but not least, the Mayor, Peggy, and the City of Rayne, for your encouragement and support of this endeavor.
City Clerk Angelique Breaux, Mayor Robichaux and Lisa Moody, with the assistance of Rayne Queens, recognized the artists with a small token of appreciation, including Pat Brignac, Cyndi Barousse, Aiden Babineaux, Starr Babineaux, Kenneth Beverly Jr., Sheila Dupuis, Sean Dupuis, Tammy Colonna, Gianni Colonna, Kellie D. Duhon, Kimberly D. Hebert, Glenn Dale Hunter Jr., Kanaan Senegal, Kennedi Senegal, Kenneth Senegal Jr., Marisha Senegal, Lisa Soileaux, Denise Underwood, Jerry Underwood, Timaj Wiltz, Scouting program, and the LSUE Soccer Team.
Underwood reminded everyone that today is only Phase 1 of the mural project, with many more murals being created as we speak to add throughout our city. Phase 2 negins in the fall, and it is hopeful that many more will volunteer their time and talents with the project.
All in attendance enjoy light refreshments provided by Piggly Wiggly and the Trahan Family, and were presented a complete list of the Rayne murals, including the new ones unveiled today, including “Down the Street Where We Lived” on the side of Pressed Dry Cleaners on South Adams, Stamp Murals at the Post Office, Interstate 10 “Jump In” mural, and the beautifully restored “Bayouland Party” mural just installed yesterday in front of the Civic Center.
