Recent and Upcoming Projects
Both King and Gilchrist have been instrumental in spearheading placemaking projects in Montgomery . Two standout examples are The King ’ s Canvas gallery and studio and the renovation of the More Up Campus along with Michelle Browder , which pays tribute to the story of Anarcha , Lucy and Betsey (“ the Mothers of Gynecology ”). These projects serve as cultural hubs that bring the community together through art and storytelling .
“ One of the projects I ’ m most proud of is taking a vacant property on the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March Voters Rights Trail and turning it into something that serves the community ,” says King . “ Using creative placemaking strategies , we ’ ve created an outdoor performance space , an art gallery and an art studio . Our work has already sparked more growth in the area .”
“ We ’ re not just imagining change ; we ’ re making it happen ,” says King .
Rotary Park in downtown Montgomery is an example of intentional placemaking . Collaborating with the Rotary Club , the City of Montgomery transformed this central space , adding a vibrant mural , a dog park and features designed to activate the space . “ We wanted to create a place where people could gather , connect and enjoy their city ,” says Cortell . “ By incorporating food truck spots with free power , shaded seating areas and public art , we ’ re making the park an active , welcoming space .”
Economic Impact of Creating Spaces
By enhancing the quality of shared public spaces and inspiring people through art , community placemaking serves as a catalyst for economic development . It creates vibrant districts that draw visitors to shop , dine and explore while encouraging them to stick around for unplanned entertainment .
The newest extension of the Riverfront Greenway Trail north from Downtown demonstrates this impact . With over 250,000 visitors annually , the Riverfront Trail generates an estimated $ 8 to $ 9.6 million in economic activity , supports up to 90 full-time jobs and contributes up to $ 56,000 in local tax revenues while raising nearby property values by up to 6 %.
“ Montgomery is actively shaping its future through placemaking ,” says Cortell . “ We ’ re not just planning spaces ; we ’ re fostering a sense of belonging and creating places where people want to stay , work and build their lives .”
Join creative placemaking communities and the King ’ s Canvas on April 1-3 , 2025 for the Power of Community - South and Appalachian Creative Placemaking
Conference in Montgomery . The featured keynote speaker will be internationally renowned attorney and Civil Rights leader Bryan Stevenson .
MAP 360 GALLERY
Valda By Hopare Mural
Mothers of Gynecology Monument
Geneva M . Watford
Geneva M . Watford is a storyteller / producer at the intersection of wellness , culture and equity . She is the founder of GMW Living , and she is the Director of MAP360 Gallery while also serving on the Main Street Montgomery and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts community boards .
NOTABLE WORKS : Watford helped launch the Mothers of Gynecology Park and produced MAP360 ’ s first Arts In Motion Festival . She organized a Juneteenth popup shop at Kress , assisted Air University ’ s Innovation Accelerator and helped open The Eagle Institute . Most recently , she launched MAP360 HQ and Gallery and hosted the first Capital Matters Wealth Equity Symposium .
FEATURED ARTIST
CentrAL Inc ! 13