HAPA UNVEILS 65th MURAL, DESIGNED TO INSPIRE YOUTH

HATTIESBURG, MS (June 26, 2025) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA) joined local artist Aubri Sparkman and community members to cut the ribbon on the city’s latest public art project. The piece, titled “Grow Through What You Go Through,” neighbors downtown Hattiesburg at Aldersgate Mission and is Hattiesburg’s 65^th large-scale, permanent mural.

Inspired by Sparkman’s community service at Aldersgate, the mural provides a vibrant and encouraging message for area youth and all who see the design. It aligns with the mission’s purpose to maximize leadership potential, teach compassion, build self-confidence, explore talent, and build character in neighborhood children.

“This mural represents a two-year journey of transformation, where this design ultimately found its rightful home at Aldersgate Mission,” said Sparkman. “I’m honored to share this with the wonderful people of this neighborhood and grateful to HAPA and Main Street United Methodist Church for the support in making this possible.”

Serving nearly 100 children of the downtown Hattiesburg area, Aldersgate enhances the academic, social, and spiritual development of the community. Program youth watched the project take shape and attended the mural unveiling ceremony.

“When young people see themselves reflected in public art, they begin to believe in their own potential,” said HAPA Executive Director Marlo Dorsey. “At HAPA, we’re creating more than murals – we’re cultivating communities where people want to live, visit, and contribute to Hattiesburg’s vibrant creative culture.”

The completed design measures 32 feet wide x 10 feet high and was made possible by HAPA and the generosity and talent of Sparkman. “Grow Through What You Go Through” will be added to the HBURG Public Art Trail.

Since 2020, HAPA has worked to significantly grow Hattiesburg’s public art throughout the city, both in murals and utility boxes. The total number of public art pieces in the community now exceeds 100.

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

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A program of VisitHATTIESBURG, HAPA began in 2014 through the leadership of community members and generous donors passionate about publicly sharing art and making it accessible to all. HAPA continues to purchase and place art throughout the city – in parks, neighborhoods, public buildings, and businesses – while also raising awareness for works of art already in the area. The organization is partially funded by VisitHATTIESBURG, Mississippi Arts Commission grants, the City of Hattiesburg, and other local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.