The "Jackson and the Arts" mosaic is a large, vibrant outdoor public mural created by artist Beverly G. McCarter in 2000, measuring 21 feet wide by 4 feet high and constructed from colorful ceramic tiles. Installed on the exterior wall of The Ned McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center in Jackson, Tennessee, it celebrates the intersection of local history and the arts by overlaying black tile silhouettes representing five funded art groups (such as symphony, ballet, theater, visual arts, and writers) atop vivid, multicolored background scenes symbolizing iconic elements of Jackson, TN.

The mural is divided into thematic sections from left to right, unified by a bright blue sky and dynamic tile patterns that give a textured, shimmering effect:

• Left section: Depicts the historic Pinson Mounds archaeology complex with earthy green and yellow mounds rising from the ground, ancient structures or pathways in muted tones, and subtle figures suggesting Native American heritage or excavation, evoking a sense of ancient mystery and cultural depth.

• Central section: Illustrates Casey Jones' tragic train incident, featuring a steaming black locomotive of the famous railroad engineer's story, with wheels and tracks adding kinetic energy.

• Right section: Represents the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival with a cluster of inflated balloons in bold primary colors—red, yellow, orange, green, and blue—rising into the air.

The black silhouettes of the art groups span across the top layer, integrated into the scenes: the symphony orchestra conductor in motion, ballet dancers in fluid motion, iconic comedy-tragedy theatre masks, a painter’s wooden pallet with brushes, and an ink well with feather quill pen, symbolizing support for the local arts. The overall composition is playful yet sophisticated, using a palette of rich blues, greens, reds, and yellows to blend historical narrative with artistic advocacy, making it a landmark piece that honors Jackson's heritage while promoting cultural funding.