"Simpsons" creator vows to sign mural coming to the real Springfield

"Simpsons" creator vows to sign mural coming to the real Springfield

The characters will be immortalized in the series creator's home state of Oregon.

A mural featuring the famous cartoon cast of The Simpsons is in the works for the (the very real) Springfield.

The location of the real Springfield that inspired The Simpsons’ home town was a mystery for years: there are 13 cities, 11 towns, and 14 townships named Springfield in the US. In 2007, Oregon’s Springfield lost to Springfield, Vt., in a contest among 14 U.S. cities named Springfield to hold the worldwide premiere of “The Simpsons Movie.”

However, The show’s creator— and Portland, Oregon native— Matt Groening told Smithsonian magazine two years ago that he named his Springfield after the one in his home state.

The city says it will soon search for a muralist to paint the artwork on the side of the Emerald Art Center. The project resulted from discussions between the city and “the show’s producers on commemorating the link between the real and fictitious Springfields. “We’ve been looking for ways to celebrate Matt (Groening)’s Oregon connection with our Springfield for several years,” Mayor Christine Lundberg said. “We thought public art would be the perfect venue, and Matt agreed.”

City spokesman Niel Laudati told the Register-Guard that the mural will show Homer lounging in a hammock, Bart climbing a tree, Marge painting, and Lisa and Maggie riding a bike. A print artist who works for 20th Century Fox Television is completing the original artwork that will serve as the basis for the mural.

“The Simpsons” is the longest-­running scripted prime-time series in U.S. television history. It just ended its 25th seasons recently. It’s expected to continue for at least another five seasons.

In a statement to the newspaper, Groening said he plans to put his stamp of approval on the mural when it’s finished. “I plan to sneak up in the middle of the night and sign the mural,” he said. “I hope I don’t get arrested.”

The mural is expected to be completed in mid-September.

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