At the heart of Marysville’s Pony Park, three remarkable interactive murals invite you to experience history in a whole new way. Created by Boston artist Rufus Butler Seder, these hand-crafted LIFETILES murals use a unique optical animation technique to bring the past to life. As you walk past each mural, the images appear to move — transforming a still moment into a vivid scene in motion.
The Left Mural
Watch as a Pony Express rider gallops across the open prairie, his long duster trailing behind him to reveal mail pouches tucked tightly in the saddle. This mural pays tribute to Marysville’s role as Home Station No. 1 on the Pony Express route during its brief but legendary run from April 1860 to October 1861. The mural captures the spirit of the open frontier and the daring riders who helped unite the nation.
The Center Mural
The central mural celebrates Marysville’s rich heritage with a collage of iconic images — from the historic Pony Express Barn and Koester House lions to the majestic courthouse, Broadway storefronts and the original railroad depot. It offers a visual journey through the town’s past and its enduring landmarks.
The Right Mural
This mural illustrates the evolution of rail travel. A Model 119 steam locomotive from 1861 transitions into a modern diesel engine, symbolizing the technological progress that shaped Marysville into the vibrant railroad town it is today.
A Kansas Original
These one-of-a-kind works are the only murals of their kind in Kansas. Each measures 4 feet high by 10 feet long and is composed of 90 individual ribbed glass tiles with embedded images — all hand-crafted using Seder’s signature method.
To learn more about the artist and his “optically animated art,” visit www.rufuslifetiles.com.
Come see the murals for yourself — a truly unique experience that brings Marysville’s story to life, one step at a time.
