The first project of Billboard America establishes its roots and the project outline for the whole organization. “When I told my mom about my vision for Billboard America, I also asked her to be a part of it immediately. The whole premise of the project is based on community, so why not start in the art community that has been inspiring from the beginning?” – MF (Mariah Funcannon, Founder)
Beth Funcannon is a beloved educator and local art teacher in Southwest Missouri. She has a knack for empowerment and rooting out artistic expression like no one’s business. For the past 26 years, she has cultivated her art room at Crane R-3 into an environment where students feel encouraged to explore their artistic potential and express themselves freely.
Her efforts have led to numerous successful school-wide art exhibitions, community murals, and public installations—each of which has become a testament to the harnessed talents of her students and the power of creative collaboration. Mrs. Fun, as she is known at school, encourages her students to not only create art, but to share it with others. Achieving recognition that art has the power to spark conversation, challenge societal norms, and bring people together.
“I wanted to get her class involved, to see their art displaying Billboard America’s message of Hope through Unity, Balance, Empowerment, and Peace. The project outline was still in its infancy, and she knew how to help hone it.”
“My mom and I worked together to define an art project that represents the aim of Billboard America. “A Positive Message Project: Hope through Unity, Balance, Empowerment, Peace”. She is a true leader, and exemplifies the spirit of community. She did what she has always done: saw something good and expanded upon it.” – MF
Through local outreach and collaboration, Mrs. Fun organized official participation of her art class by integrating “A Positive Message Project: Hope through Unity, Balance, Empowerment, Peace” into her lesson plan, and incorporated the high-school’s own vinyl printing workshop (a trade school) to print large vinyls of her student’s artwork to display around the school grounds.
“She has given the vision momentum, and I couldn’t be more proud to have created this project plan with her.” – MF
Published 3/28/25