Stephen Toal saw some graffiti on the wall of the lower level under the No. 1 Shelter House at Gunn Park and decided to use his artistic abilities and do something about it.

“Someone had written some hate graffiti on the wall and I felt the need to cover it with something positive,” Toal said.

“I had spoken with Josh Jones (Mayor of Fort Scott) about doing the project,” Toal said.

He used his own art materials and spent about 10 hours on the project, he said.

Stephen Toal described himself as ” a long time resident of Fort Scott, a husband, father of three  and three step-children.”

Toal also said he is a “recovering addict/alcoholic, who has been clean and sober three years”

“Art is a way to express myself and helps me stay clean,” he said.

The colorful mural is a depiction of springtime, Toal said.