Vibrant New Mural Unveiled in Avondale
Birmingham, AL – A stunning new mural measuring 30 feet tall and 200 feet wide has just been completed on the building of Workshops Empowerment, Inc. at 4244 3rd Ave S, right in front of the Hugh Kaul Trail in Avondale. This impressive artwork represents a collaborative effort between three beloved local non-profit organizations: Studio by the Tracks, Workshops Empowerment, Inc. (WE), and Freshwater Land Trust, with the artistic talents of local muralist Shawn Fitzwater leading the way.
Enhancing the Community
Laura Cushman, a representative from Studio by the Tracks, emphasized that the purpose of the mural is to beautify the Hugh Kaul Trail, which forms part of the renowned Rotary Trail and Red Rock Trail System. She explained, “It goes back behind Workshops Empowerment. Freshwater Land Trust noticed a lot of people didn’t realize that they could use the trail because it felt like it was the back alley of Workshops Empowerment. So the purpose of the mural was to beautify that area and make people feel like they were supposed to be there and they were on a public trail.”
Inclusive Collaboration
The creation of the mural involved the creative contributions of over 10 artists from Studio by Tracks, an organization dedicated to providing a space for adult artists with autism. Fitzwater took around two weeks to paint the mural, turning the shared vision into a reality.
Austin England, the Director of Marketing for Workshops Empowerment, shared a particularly meaningful story about the artwork. “We found out after the fact, that one of the people we helped get a job here—one of her designs is on the mural—the moth! It was really cool to see that someone we served end up having one of their designs highlighted back there.” This personal connection added significant sentiment to the mural, illustrating how the project is intertwined with the community it represents.
A Shared Mission
Cushman further noted the synergy between the two organizations, stating, “It made sense for us to work with Workshops Empowerment because they work with people with disabilities and we work with people with autism. We do serve a similar community and population of people. It was a great pairing.” The collaboration is not just about creating art but also about fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion in the community.
Community Engagement
As the mural takes its place in Avondale, residents and visitors are encouraged to check it out for themselves. Have you seen the new mural in person? The organizations behind the artwork are eager to hear from community members about their favorite parts of the mural. Sharing your experiences and images can be done by tagging them on social media.
A Final Thought
The completion of this mural is not only a visual enhancement to the trail but also a testament to the power of community collaboration. It serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when organizations with a common mission come together to create something beautiful and meaningful for their neighborhoods. Be sure to take a stroll by the mural and appreciate all the hard work that went into making this vibrant piece a reality.
