HBURG PUBLIC ART TRAIL AND HATTIESBURG ART-A-THON LAUNCHED

HATTIESBURG, MS – VisitHATTIESBURG is pleased to announce the launch of its newest attraction, the HBURG Public Art Trail. Celebrating the diversity of art found in the community and the artists behind the works, the trail features more than 40 sculptures and murals.

The HBURG Public Art Trail further enhances Hattiesburg’s emergence as an artistic destination of the Gulf South. There are numerous ways for residents and visitors to discover the attraction, including digital brochures and maps on VisitHBURG.org and the ‘Visit HBURG’ mobile app. Stops along the trail are now easily identifiable by permanent street signage.

Ricardo Moody, local art teacher and muralist, has numerous works featured on the trail.

“Public art is important for Hattiesburg because it highlights the vibrancy of our city and its people. The pieces featured on the new trail have the ability to activate space, creating an inviting place where new interactions take place,” Moody said.

To spur interest in the new trail, the Hattiesburg Art-a-Thon begins on April 7 and continues through May 31. The multi-week event encourages individuals and families to explore public art at their own pace. Participants will be provided with a passport redeemable for #ArtHBURG prizes at local shops and restaurants. A list of partner locations can be found at hattiesburgpublicart.org. The event’s launch also coincides with the Hattiesburg Half Marathon·10k·5k, set to welcome hundreds of visitors on April 10.

“Diversity should not simply be recognized, tolerated and accepted. It should be celebrated across all dimensions, including in key aspects that play a vital role in our quality of life… like public art,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Our differences make our city stronger, and the art that is displayed along this trail are visual representations of that – from murals that will literally take your breath away because of their artistic detail and meaning to sculptures that will stand the test of time. I appreciate the foresight of the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art and VisitHATTIESBURG who continue working to enhance our city’s appeal as a destination to residents and visitors alike.”

Following tourism disruptions from Covid-19, VisitHATTIESBURG pivoted to focus on socially distanced, outdoor activities that could be enjoyed year-round. Hattiesburg’s official destination marketing organization, VisitHATTIESBURG, worked carefully behind the scenes to grow public art offerings and awareness while finding ways for locals and guests to enjoy the city’s creativity. This commitment led to enhanced curb appeal, activated green spaces, and a beautiful, diverse backdrop of public art that tells Hattiesburg’s story through creativity.

“Today, we celebrate the artistic growth of our community during the last year, and we are better for it in many ways,” Marlo Dorsey, executive director of VisitHATTIESBURG, said. “We celebrate our strengthened relationships with so many talented artists and are finding our stride as we step into the next phase of truly emerging as a modern, creative hub.”

VisitHATTIESBURG is actively marketing both the Public Art Trail and Art-a-Thon in drive markets to encourage participation. Visit Mississippi partnered to make Art-a-Thon possible, along with collaborations from numerous groups and individuals, including Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, Mississippi Arts Commission, and the City of Hattiesburg.

For more details on the HBURG Public Art Trail and the Hattiesburg Art-a-Thon, visit hattiesburgpublicart.org.

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