What’s happening on the wall at the Belhaven McDade’s?
UPDATE: CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FINISHED MURAL
When you drive by Belhaven McDade’s or stop in to Lou’s Full Serve this summer, you may notice a little more color in the parking lot. That’s because the Greater Belhaven Foundation has partnered with local artists Rachel Misenar and Elizabeth Fowler to paint a new collaborative mural on the retaining wall connecting Fortification to Carlisle Street.
This process of renewal and re-invention for the retaining wall will not be new for artist and Belhaven resident, Rachel Misenar who partnered with the Greater Belhaven Foundation in 2008-2009 to paint the first version of the mural.
Rachel told us, “I am so thrilled to be working on the mural once again. I love supporting my neighborhood, local art and the community. New is beautiful. This mural will once again revive and renew a frequented Belhaven space. I am so happy to be a part of the transformation”.
Just in time for GBF’s signature event, Bright Lights Belhaven Nights, scheduled for Saturday, August 12th, Rachel and Elizabeth will work together to create a collaborative mural design that is both completely original and reflects both painter’s unique artistic styles. In addition to the work done by the artists themselves, the two artists will host an interactive Community Paint Day where they will select local volunteers to actively participate in the painting.
The Greater Belhaven Foundation believes that public art can be used to inspire others, encourage and celebrate artists and bring together communities. This mural is an incredible gift to the neighborhood, and will help to shine a light on what public art can do to help transform community, increase livability and to inspire both residents and visitors. In recognition of her years of service to the Greater Belhaven Foundation, the 2017 mural will be dedicated to Virgi Lindsay, former GBF Executive Director.
“The mural becomes part of a public collection. While art galleries present shows that come and go, the creation of a new mural that lasts perhaps 10 years is a commitment. This is a statement that community centered public art is a part of preserving the strong character of the Greater Belhaven community.” – Rob Farr, Design Chair, Greater Belhaven Foundation
GBF would also like to say a huge thank you to our in-kind partners, Mike Peters of Peters Real Estate, who donated the manpower and supplies to pressure-wash the retaining wall, Jennifer Welch of Belhaven Residential, who provided the labor and base paint to prime the wall to get it ready for the new mural and the Greater Jackson Arts Council, who will be highlighting the mural’s progress as part of their on-going support of Jackson’s public art. We are especially honored to accept this offering of talent, heart and passion for the future of the Greater Belhaven neighborhoods from these two wonderful artists.
We will be sharing updates on the mural’s progress all summer long, so keep up with the mural’s progress by following us on Instagram at @greaterbelhaven. Post your own photos of the mural progress or follow the artist’s and their progress using the hashtag #GBFmural.
UPDATE: PHOTOS OF OUR PROGRESS
