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The idea behind the mural originated with Webster Postmaster Mark Jamison.
"I tried to get Southwestern Community College's art department to undertake the project as a community service, but I didn't get anywhere with that, so I talked to Connie about it since I knew she was an artist," said Jamison.
Franks is also a mail carrier for the Cullowhee Post Office and has to work in the painting after work and before heading home for the evening to husband Anthony and children Candace, 11, and Trenton, 8.
"With the days getting shorter, I've tried to paint as much as I could while the evening light was with me," said Franks, who first sketched on paper the scene she wanted to create.
Her mural will eventually include Webster Methodist Church, Webster Baptist Church, Webster School and the Moore House. Inside the post office, she plans to paint the old Webster covered bridge that once spanned the Tuckasegee.
Franks has a lot of experience in painting murals, but all of them have been inside buildings. This is her first outside adventure.
"Lots of people in Webster walk Buchanan Loop, jog in the evenings and ride their bikes. They all stop and ask me how it's going. I really like that interaction part," said this mostly self-taught artist.
As part of the Sesquicentennial, Friday has been designated "A Day in Webster." Walking tours will begin at 4 p.m. from the Family Resource Center; dinner and music will take place at the FRC (old Webster school) at 6 p.m., followed by the program "Growing Up in Jackson County" with Citizen Times writer and Addie native Bob Terrell.
"We invite folks to come by and see Connie's progress on her mural," said Jamison.
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