HAPA Seeks Artist for Second Hawkins Neighborhood Mural Project

HATTIESBURG, MS (Sept. 28, 2022) – The Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art is pleased to announce a call for artists to design and execute the second in a series of exterior mural projects in the Hawkins neighborhood, near downtown Hattiesburg. Artists with professional experience in public art or painting are invited to respond to the call.

Located on the walkways of a bridge leading to Hawkins Elementary School, the immersive mural will be themed, “Learning today to lead tomorrow.” The bridge project will complement an adjacent mural completed at the Hattiesburg Public School District Early Education Center in April 2022 by artist Sergio Arce of Miami.

Many students cross the bridge as they walk to and from school each day. As such, artists are asked to submit colorful and engaging designs that are encouraging and joyful while focusing on the importance of education, community, and diversity. The completed project will run along a total of six panels on each side of the bridge, each measuring approximately 92 feet long x 2.5 feet tall.

The bridge project will be HAPA’s second large-scale mural in the Hawkins neighborhood as part of the organization’s mission to further expand the footprint of public art in the community. With several murals planned for the remainder of the year, HAPA’s work continues to beautify the city’s neighborhoods and corridors with growing community support.

“The creativity and stories told through our murals and sculptures has put Hattiesburg on the map as a top travel destination for art,” Marlo Dorsey, executive director, said. “The community has embraced HAPA’s efforts, which have resulted in nearly 20 murals, multiple sculptures, and dozens of painted utility boxes over the last several years. Our work continues as we aim to be the premier city in the Gulf South.”

The Hawkins Bridge mural is being partially funded by Ekklesia Hattiesburg in support of their Neighbors at Hawkins community program. Ekklesia was also a partner on the “We are the Future” mural located in the Hawkins neighborhood.

“Ekklesia Hattiesburg and the Neighbors at Hawkins program exist because the entire Hawkins Elementary community holds a special place in our hearts, and there is no calculating how much time and love has been shared side by side in the school. We couldn’t be more excited to be a continued part of this effort,” Mike Dixon, Ekklesia pastor, said.

Professional local, regional, and national artists are encouraged to submit their original designs. Concepts should honor Hattiesburg’s progressive and inclusive values, ensuring those crossing the bridge leave feeling encouraged and uplifted.

For more details and instructions, interested artists may visit hburgart.com/artists. Applications must be electronically submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. The final design selection will be based on artistic merit, creativity, demonstrated ability, technical knowledge, overall budget, and the artist’s interpretation of the theme.

To learn more about HAPA or for a map of existing public art in Hattiesburg, visit HAPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or hburgart.com.