HAPA UNVEILS THIRD BRIDGE MURAL IN NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES

Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art unveiled its latest mural today, titled “Hattiesburg in Motion.” Painted on the Broad Street pedestrian and traffic bridge, it is the fourth in a series of exterior art projects in the Hawkins neighborhood and marks the third painted bridge in the area, joining a nearby large-scale wall mural. This is Hattiesburg’s 52^nd large-scale mural.

Jackson, Miss. artist Gavin Bird was selected as the muralist for the project. The completed design includes two bridge wall panels and their footpaths, each measuring approximately 130 feet long. This is Bird’s second large-scale mural painted in Hattiesburg, which compliments a bridge he completed in the same neighborhood in late 2022 titled “Nature’s Way.”

“Working with HAPA and being in Hattiesburg to paint is always an honor,” said Bird. “I enjoyed painting this mural and hope residents enjoy the new vibrant addition to the neighborhood.”

Bird’s design is interactive, highlighting the progression of transportation and industrialization in Hattiesburg. It features elements such as trains, bridges, buses, planes, and helicopters as well as historical nods such as an ox pulling wagons of lumber and early construction seen in downtown’s brick structures. Each sidewalk is painted to allow pedestrians to follow along the winding path of a road or hop between painted railroad lines.

“HAPA remains committed to expanding Hattiesburg’s public art scene thoughtfully. We are grateful for the chance to work with Gavin again, who is such a talented Mississippi artist,” said VisitHATTIESBURG CEO Marlo Dorsey. “Introducing unique murals along our thoroughfares not only enhances our visual landscape, it also provides an enriching experience for our young citizens to develop a deep appreciation for public art and Hattiesburg’s history.”

Since 2020, Hattiesburg’s public art has grown significantly throughout the city, in murals, sculptures, and utility boxes. Hattiesburg has been listed as an emerging public arts destination by numerous publications and several additional art projects are underway for 2024.

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.