Artist Craig Thomas is hard at work on a new mural in downtown Vicksburg.

The Independence Day-themed mural is located on the retaining wall across the street from the Old Depot Museum. Every Fourth of July, residents gather on the lawn directly next to the mural to watch the fireworks and take part in festivities.

Thomas is based out of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he lives just a block away from the Mississippi River.

A couple of years ago, Thomas painted the postcard mural on the Flood Wall facing the river in downtown Vicksburg.

The project is being funded by the Vicksburg Main Street Program.

Thomas said it will take about another three weeks to complete the mural, adding that he will be aiming to complete at least the large American Flag located in the center of the piece by the Fourth of July.