“SPREAD YOUR WINGS” MURAL BY TEXAS ARTIST ADDED TO HATTIESBURG’S PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

HATTIESBURG, MS (Nov. 5, 2021) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, a program of VisitHATTIESBURG, is pleased to announce its latest large-scale mural project. Featuring the work of Texas muralist Avery Orendorf, “Spread Your Wings” is a colorful, linear piece located on the side of Fairley’s Wings and More in downtown Hattiesburg. HAPA supporters Catherine and Chad Edmondson partnered on the project, which is the 12^th mural to be commissioned by HAPA in the last 20 months.

“We continue to work with partners to elevate our community’s outdoor spaces with uplifting messages,” Marlo Dorsey, Executive Director of VisitHATTIESBURG, said. “We are reminded today that art has the power to revitalize streetscapes in our community. Through public art, residents and visitors can find inspiration, joy, or a beautiful backdrop for an outing.”

The project, located on Batson St., features a large blue hummingbird in front of a rising sun background. Batson St., a connector between Main St. and Mobile St., has seen recent revitalization through the addition of Downtown Nutrition and other community artistic efforts. This historic area of downtown Hattiesburg welcomes thousands of visitors each month for The Lucky Rabbit, Southern Prohibition Brewery, and many other successful businesses.

“I am excited that my customers and all those who visit downtown will be able to enjoy the mural. It truly enhances the curb appeal of Batson St., and will, in turn, continue to attract visitors and investors to the city.” Nick Fairley, owner of Fairley’s Wings and Downtown Nutrition, said.

From Austin, TX, Orendorf’s hand-drawn graphics employ clean line work, strong color combos, and repeating patterns to create intricate yet simple art pieces with deep story potential. Self-taught, her work has been featured in numerous art shows and galleries, and she has produced commission pieces for well-known companies, such as Google, Tru by Hilton, Wrangler, the YMCA, Yeti, and Cholula Hot Sauce.

“It has been such an honor to create this mural for Hattiesburg. The hummingbird as the central image represents strength and the power to rise above trouble and hardship. It is a message of hope, along with the rising sun, that welcomes every new day with energy and joy,” Orendorf said of her first mural in Mississippi.  

The original mural was completed by both Orendorf and her assistant Helena Martin.

HAPA continues to expand public art offerings in Hattiesburg, highlighting the city as Mississippi’s creative hub. Many of the projects unveiled during the last 20 months have been designed by Hattiesburg and Mississippi natives, celebrating and supporting the diverse groups of creatives who call the area home.

“Spread Your Wings” increases the number of large-scale public murals found in Hattiesburg to 30. HAPA, in partnership with VisitHATTIESBURG, will continue to spread the message that Hattiesburg is an artfully open community for visitors to safely explore through the use of the HBURG Public Art Trail, which now has 45 stops.

Several additional art projects are underway around Hattiesburg, with more planned for later this month. For a map of public art in Hattiesburg, visit HAPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or hattiesburgpublicart.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. In the past six years, HAPA has purchased and placed art throughout the city – in parks, neighborhoods, public buildings, and businesses – while also raising awareness for works of art already in the area. Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art is made possible through the support of local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.