'Real' Springfield Getting a Taste of the Simpsons

A new mural featuring The Simpsons is coming to Springfield. The real Springfield. Series creator Matt Groening, who grew up in Portland, Oregon, told the Smithsonian two years ago he named Springfield after the real one in his home state. The mural, expected to be completed in mid-September, follows several years of talks between the city and The Simpsons producers on commemorating the link between the real and fictitious Springfields, a city rep tells The Register-Guard. The city will soon search for a muralist to paint the artwork on the side of the city's Emerald Art Center.

"I plan to sneak up in the middle of the night and sign the mural," Groening says. A print artist who works for 20th Century Fox Television is completing the original artwork that will serve as the basis for the mural. Laudati said the artwork will depict Homer lounging in a hammock, Bart climbing a tree, Marge painting, and Lisa and Maggie riding a bike. The piece will cover a space measuring 15 feet by 30 feet. The city already has a Moe's Tavern, the Register-Guard notes. (More The Simpsons stories.)