HAPA UNVEILS SECOND MURAL IN BROADWAY DRIVE SERIES

HATTIESBURG, MS (July 22, 2024) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA) joined Brighter Broadway, a Leadership Pinebelt group, to unveil the city’s latest mural today. Part of an ongoing Broadway Drive revitalization effort, the new piece is titled “Greetings from Hattiesburg.” It is Hattiesburg’s 54^th large-scale, permanent mural.

The Brighter Broadway initiative began through efforts of a 2023 Area Development Partnership Leadership Pinebelt small group. The group’s mission is to inspire wellness, unity, diversity, inclusion, and development on Broadway Drive. In October 2023, phase one of the project was completed with the unveiling of the “Essence of Happiness” mural.

“The Brighter Broadway group appreciates the chance to contribute to the ongoing revolution in this vibrant part of our city,” group officials said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners for making this endeavor possible.” 

Following a national call for artists seeking an original design concept, Hattiesburg creative Aubri Sparkman’s entry was selected from more than a dozen entries. The call sought a traditional postcard design that reflected the core values of community, inclusion, and progress while conveying nods to unique assets of Hattiesburg. 

Strategically positioned to welcome residents and visitors alike, the design integrates iconic symbols of Hattiesburg and stands at 52′ wide by 16′ tall. Its placement at the well-traveled intersection of Broadway Drive and Highway 49 serves as a gateway into downtown Hattiesburg. 

“The concept of my design embodies the spirit of community and progress while paying homage to the city’s culture, architecture, and natural beauty,” said Sparkman. “Altogether, this design stands as a dynamic and engaging representation of Hattiesburg, welcoming all who visit with a story of community pride and cultural richness.”

With the awarding of this project, Sparkman has now completed two large-scale murals and one painted utility box in Hattiesburg. She also has additional public art projects in the works. 

“There is immense talent found in Hattiesburg. This project has been a collaboration of gifted leaders and creatives committed to transforming the community through public art,” said VisitHATTIESBURG executive director/CEO Marlo Dorsey. “The two Brighter Broadway projects have helped spark conversations about the vision for the neighborhood’s future vitality and purpose.” 

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. 

Since 1989, Leadership Pinebelt has trained emerging and existing leaders in Greater Hattiesburg. The program comprises a network of professionals and community volunteers who are committed to shaping the community and serves as a catalyst for increasing diversity among future leaders. 

Brighter Broadway group members include Mavis Creagh, R3SM; Michael McCullum, The University of Southern Mississippi; Hilaire Long, Anderson Design; Ed Hargrove, Accelerate MS; Amanda Sanford, Jones Capital; and Kevin Kitchens, Landry Lewis Germany Architects PA. 

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 Dfunded by VisitHATTIESBURG, Mississippi Arts Commission grants, the City of Hattiesburg, and other local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.