Artist Matthew Yerby Unveils Bold Mural in DeRidder, Louisiana

A striking new mural has transformed downtown DeRidder, Louisiana, thanks to the artistic vision of Matthew Yerby. The Natchitoches native completed the vibrant artwork in just three days, wrapping up the project on September 5, 2025.

Yerby was first contacted by Shannon Gray, the city’s purchasing agent, who approached him after his successful murals in both Toledo Bend and Natchitoches. Following discussions with Mayor Michael Harris and city officials, Yerby confirmed the design and dimensions of the mural, which was a collaborative effort driven by the city’s administration.

“It was very much a group project between the administration as a whole,” said Holly Buxton, the City Finance Director. “We wanted to bring the mayor’s vision to life in the beautification efforts in downtown DeRidder.”

Yerby expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received during his time in DeRidder. “The town was one of the most hospitable environments I’ve ever painted in,” he remarked. He noted the unique challenges of projecting the mural design onto the wall, particularly due to the bright surroundings. Local support was evident as the fire chief brought a fire truck to help drape a blanket over street lights, aiding in the projection process.

Initially, Yerby felt apprehensive about painting over an existing mural that had adorned the space for years. “The ultimate decision was that they wanted a brand new and fresh start,” he explained. He aims for his mural to convey a sense of pride for DeRidder, featuring bold letters that reflect the community’s spirit.

Yerby is passionate about showcasing Louisiana’s rich culture through his art. He believes that as the world increasingly turns to artificial intelligence, it is vital to continue nurturing human creativity. “It’s really important to me that art continues on because it is one of the earliest forms of any kind of human creation,” he stated.

In addition to his work as an artist, Yerby is also a writer and director based in Los Angeles. He graduated from Winnfield High School and later from Northwestern State University, where he did not engage with the arts department. After graduation, he began painting while waiting for job interviews and secured his first artistic role at Painting with a Twist in Shreveport.

Yerby’s artistic journey took him to New Orleans, where he worked at Painting with a Twist while pursuing a career in acting. His dedication culminated in the release of his first feature film, “The Dirty South,” in November 2023. Now, he is taking a sabbatical from Los Angeles, traveling across the United States to paint live murals.

His current project, titled “Paintin’ USA,” involves engaging his social media followers to vote on the most beautiful locations in each state for mural painting. So far, he has completed murals in ten states and plans to finish the project before returning to Los Angeles. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do and honestly it’s something that’s never been done before,” said Yerby.

To follow Yerby on his artistic journey, interested readers can find him on Instagram at matthewyerbyartist, on Facebook at Matthew Yerby Artist, or visit his website at www.yerbyart.com.