HAPA UNVEILS “LOVE DONE WELL,” HATTIESBURG’S 55th MURAL
August 23, 2024
HATTIESBURG, MS (Aug. 23, 2024) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art is pleased to announce the city’s newest large-scale mural. “Love Done Well” was officially unveiled today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in midtown Hattiesburg. The commissioned piece was completed by local artist Aubri Sparkman and marks Hattiesburg’s 55th mural.
The modern, colorful, original artwork is in the Midtown Market development on Hardy Street. This completed piece marks the seventh mural and more than a dozen painted utility boxes in the district. Known for its eclectic mix of eateries and retail establishments, midtown has become a focal point for area residents, college students, and visitors.
“Art has the power to revitalize and inspire. This beautiful mural enhances an already popular space of iconic establishments that reflect the local spirit of our community,” said Marlo Dorsey, VisitHATTIESBURG CEO. “We are honored to collaborate with partners who brought immense care and passion to the meaning and beautiful message of this piece. The artwork will bring a sense of humanity and thoughtfulness to everyone who experiences it.”
“Love Done Well” was designed to honor community member Gerry McIntire Waites, who passed away last year. Her family, alongside friends and supporters, came together to create a permanent tribute that would reflect her spirit and enduring impact on the community with a universal message of love and friendship. Through their collective efforts, funds were raised to bring this project to life.
“The friends and family of Gerry wanted a mural to depict the heartwarming effect of truly special friendships,” said Becky Oliver, project partner. “We feel the artist has done an excellent job in reminding us of love shared through these relationships. This mural is not just a tribute to our loved one, but an ongoing gift to the entire community.”
Another inspirational female, Hattiesburg creative Aubri Sparkman was selected to paint the project. The 18-year-old freshman at The University of Southern Mississippi was the youngest artist to complete a mural in Hattiesburg when she was just 16. Sparkman has now contributed to three large-scale murals and one painted utility box in Hattiesburg.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to contribute once again to Hattiesburg’s colorful landscape with this mural,” said Sparkman. “Creating this mural in honor of Gerry Waites’ memory has been a deeply meaningful experience for me, as it allows us to celebrate and share her spirit with the community through art.”
The mural features a vibrant and colorful portrait of Waites, accompanied by a quote from painter Vincent Van Gogh, “What is done in love is done well.” The final design stands at 26 feet wide by 14 feet tall. It serves as a striking anchor for the surrounding businesses and new developments in midtown Hattiesburg. 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 or for a map of existing 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.