Any drive through downtown Denison will likely take you past what has quickly become one of the city’s newest landmarks, the Denison Yellowjacket Silo. While the silo has stood for generations, its once nondescript appearance has long stood as a familiar landmark. With a fresh, eye-catching design, the silos now command attention from anyone passing through. Nationally recognized artist, ARCY, was commissioned to create a vibrant and meaningful art piece, executed in true Texas style on one of the city’s largest canvases.
Local community volunteer DC Ramsey chaired the committee that launched the project. According to DC, the Denison Development Foundation created a task force that included Ramsey, Brian Hander, Stanley Morrison, Dr. Michael Courtright, Rayce Guess, Zac Duce, Donna Dow, Tiffany Barney-Harolds, Tony Kaai, and Bill Retz.
“Everyone brought something to the table, but retired Rear Admiral Bill Retz took on the role of master planner,” Mrs. Ramsey explained. “He coordinated each step, was on-site daily, worked closely with the artist and contractors, and oversaw every detail of the installation.” She also noted the project was entirely privately funded, with no public money used. Thanks to generous contributions from local art supporters, businesses, and volunteers, the mural was completed on schedule in time for the 2025 football season.
Ramsey shared her excitement about being part of the project. As a senior leader whose work spans international sports and entertainment, she felt a strong connection to the work, which combined her passions for sports, public art, and history. “I believe public art and economic development should go hand in hand. This was a rare opportunity, one of those structures you drive past every day. We asked ourselves how we could add more to our city, and this was the perfect chance to create meaningful art for our residents. It feels good to invest time in the community, and this canvas allowed us to honor Denison’s history. Hopefully, projects like this inspire creativity and remind people that they can contribute to their community, spark pride, and engage in conversation.”
The mural depicts a Denison Yellowjacket football player passing the Ax, the trophy from the historic annual Battle of the Ax between the Denison Yellowjackets and the Sherman Bearcats, to a member of the Killer Bees, Denison’s youth sports program. Dating back to 1901, the Denison vs. Sherman high school football game is the longest-running series in Texas and one of the state’s most well-known rivalries. The mural is clearly visible from the home stands at Munson Stadium during games. “Anyone driving through will see the mural and hopefully feel pride and appreciation for our history and art,” DC Ramsey said. “Pride runs deep.”
"This was the perfect chance to create meaningful art for our residents."