BREATHING LIFE INTO GREENVILLE ’ S WALLS
Greenville ’ s first downtown mural , which is located on the wall of Safe Harbor Children ’ s Advocacy Center , was completed in August of 2020 , thanks to local artist and hometown business owner , Stacey Edwards and some local sponsors . The mural features colorful flowers that the city is known for - Camellias - “ The Camellia City ” as well as an inspirational message “ Share the Love .” Edwards said her design was based on Greenville ’ s flower , the Camellia . “ Greenville is known as the ‘ Camellia City ’ and I wanted to create a modern interpretation of that southern symbol .”
The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce ( GACOC ) worked with local businesses and individuals to secure sponsorships which funded the paint and materials for the project . The gracious sponsors for “ Share the Love ” mural include : Camellia Communications , Butler County Commission for Economic Development , Dr . Jean Thompson , and Greenville Paint . And , of course , this project was made possible by the creative design work created by Edwards , who graciously donated her time and talents to make this beautiful display a reality and jumpstart the beginning of Camellia City Mural Trail .
“ Stacey ’ s beautiful mural is a reminder of how amazing our city is and how awesome the citizens of the community are . The Camellia City is full of so much beauty , happiness and love ,” said Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tracy Salter .
The GACOC continued its efforts to generate funding for additional murals , and in October 2020 was awarded two community grants thanks to Mid-South RC & D and Alabama Power Co .
The Mid-South RC & D grant , which was in the amount of $ 4,350 , will be used to fund the Chamber ’ s second mural trail project in downtown Greenville .
The second mural , themed “ Grateful for Greenville ,” is designed to look similar to a postcard featuring buildings , places and things that make Greenville unique . Muralist Michelle Black , owner of A Color Affair , began work on the second mural In February of 2020 . The “ Grateful for Greenville ” mural is located on the side of the Meadows & Co . building , located at 110 E . Commerce Street , in the heart of downtown Greenville . The “ Grateful for Greenville ” tagline was inspired by Greenville native , chamber board member , and local downtown business owner Danan Whiddon , and the motto has sort of transformed into a trend on social media # GratefulForGreenville . Greenville High School art teacher , Kayla Small and art students assisted with stages of the mural as part of a graded project and assisted the muralist in shifts throughout the mural project ’ s timeline .
The Chamber and its board of directors
is excited to see the mural trail come to life ,” said GACOC Executive Director , Tracy Salter . “ The Chamber board , along with members of the community , started tossing the idea around of murals in the area about two years ago and with the support of local building owners , sponsors and grants , and super talented artists , the Camellia City Mural Trail is finally coming to life ,” said Salter . “ Murals create a tangible sense of place , destination , resulting in increased foot traffic while adding color , vibrancy , and character to a community ,” said Salter . “ Murals have the opportunity to tell the community ’ s story , create a unique experience , engage citizens , increase foot traffic and tourism , increase appreciation for the arts and artists , and increase overall attractiveness of the space ,” said Salter .
A third mural , which will be funded with a $ 3,500 grant awarded by Alabama Power Co ., is expected to begin in late spring with the creatives and design being led by Stacey Edwards . “ Stacey and I have been talking about ideas for the third mural for a long time . She ’ s extremely talented and creative with such a love for the community - It will be a beautiful work of art our city will be proud of ,” said Salter .
Stay tuned to the Chamber ’ s Facebook page for updates on the mural trail progress , and official unveiling ceremonies .
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