HAPA UNVEILS MURAL DEDICATED TO PINE BELT SERVICE MEMBERS 

November 21, 2025

 HATTIESBURG, MS (Nov. 21, 2025) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA), in partnership with Scouting America’s Pine Burr Area Council, unveiled the city’s newest public mural today. Titled “Legacy in Service,” the piece honors generations of area service members and future leaders. This marks Hattiesburg’s 68th large-scale mural. 

Located at the Pine Burr Area Council headquarters in the heart of the Hattiesburg Avenues, the 21-foot-tall artwork overlooks Hardy Street. The new piece stands as a vibrant tribute to the community’s strong police, fire, medical, and military heritage. It also recognizes Scouting’s role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. 

“This new mural represents the Council’s commitment to our community and to shaping future leaders,” said Pine Burr CEO Micah Huffman. “Just as today’s first responders serve with courage and purpose, our Scouts learn the values that prepare them for life. We are grateful to see Scouting represented in Hattiesburg’s public art scene.” 

Commissioned through a national Call for Artists seeking a design that includes ideas, people, and pillars relevant to Hattiesburg, Registered Artist of Miami was selected to bring the vision to life. The urban pop artist has contributed to several other art projects in Hattiesburg, including three murals and two painted utility boxes. 

“Each figure in this mural depicts courage, leadership, and determination,” said the artist. “I’m proud to give tribute to all American heroes, including those found in Hattiesburg from past and present day into the future.” 

Service is one of Hattiesburg’s strongest pillars, serving as a military and medical hub of the region. Camp Shelby plays a critical role in training roughly 100,000 military personnel each year and is the largest state-owned and operated training site in the 

United States. The city is also widely recognized as a medical community, servicing a broad region for healthcare needs. Hattiesburg has a robust healthcare infrastructure with two major hospitals and numerous specialty clinics. 

“Public art has quickly become one of the most meaningful ways to share Hattiesburg’s identity with visitors,” said VisitHATTIESBURG CEO Marlo Dorsey. “This mural offers a colorful, accessible way for people to connect with our story of service and the values that continue to shape our community.” 

“Legacy in Service” is the ninth large-scale mural to be painted in Hattiesburg in 2025. More than a dozen sculptures were installed earlier in the year for a two-year public showcase. Phase 4 of the HBURG Utility Box Project is also underway, featuring over 20 painted utility boxes across some of Hattiesburg’s most traveled roadways and thoroughfares. 

Since 2020, HAPA has worked to significantly grow Hattiesburg’s public art footprint throughout the city. The total number of public art pieces in the community now exceeds 100. To learn more about HAPA or to view 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.