“TOGETHER AS ONE” 200 FOOT MURAL ADDED TO HATTIESBURG’S PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

HATTIESBURG, MS (Nov. 19, 2021) – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, a program of VisitHATTIESBURG, is pleased to announce its largest mural to date. Featuring the work of Miami, FL, muralist Ivan Roque, “Together as One” spans more than 200 feet and is a colorful, nature piece located on the Longleaf Trace tunnel at the intersection of 4^th Street and N 38^th Ave. The mural is the 13^th large-scale project to be commissioned by HAPA in the last 20 months.

“The Longleaf Trace is a vital asset to Hattiesburg’s outdoor recreation offerings. Nothing validated this more than the past year’s push to focus on exercise and gathering safely,” said Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “This new mural – dynamic in design, size and artistic ability – is sure to add another dimension of enjoyment for our residents and visitors of all ages when they choose to run, bike, or walk along the Trace.”

The Gulf South’s premier biking and hiking trail, the Longleaf Trace is 44 miles long, expanding from downtown Hattiesburg to Sumrall, Prentiss, Bassfield, and Carson. Hosting thousands of visitors and numerous events per year, the Longleaf Trace is a natural home for the one-of-a-kind mural. The new piece features wildlife, flora, and fauna native to the Trace and Pinebelt region, such as deer, bass, catfish, a golden eagle, magnolias, and more.

“Trail users and the community will be able to enjoy a new and unique experience through this mural,” said Longleaf Trace Director Mary Scruggs. “Once a bland tunnel is now transformed into a key focal point that will play a very important role in attracting visitors to the Trace from surrounding areas for years to come.”

Roque is a visual and street artist from Miami, FL, with a passion for the concepts of birth, death, renewal, and social struggles. He specializes in graffiti-style designs with bold and colorful focal points. Roque has worked with rapper Denzel Curry, collaborated with brands like Samsung, Seagram’s Gin, Ultra Music Festival, and had shows in New York City, Dubai, Seoul, and many other cities. He has painted murals all over the U.S., including New Orleans, Pittsburg, Fort Lauderdale, and Charlotte.

“This mural symbolizes how all living things come together to create an abundant ecosystem in which all coexist, thrive, and build for future generations to come,” said Roque. 

The original mural was completed by Roque and his assistants Chnk Fondue and Tuto. The project, a months-long collaboration between HAPA and the Longleaf Trace board, was partially funded by the two organizations. The City of Hattiesburg and Sherwin Williams on Broadway Dr. also provided support to the project.

HAPA continues to expand public art offerings in Hattiesburg, highlighting the city as Mississippi’s creative hub. While the majority of the projects unveiled during the last two years have been designed by Hattiesburg and Mississippi natives, HAPA also celebrates diverse perspectives and talents from national artists and creatives.

“When we look at cities similar to Hattiesburg across the nation, we find diversity in talent, views, convictions, and more. Welcoming artists from outside of Mississippi to Hattiesburg to create beautiful pieces introduces our residents and visitors to different styles, ideas, and inspiration for their everyday life,” Marlo Dorsey, Executive Director of VisitHATTIESBURG, said.

With numerous fine art galleries, public murals and sculptures, painted utility boxes, pop up art shows, and more, Hattiesburg is a top art destination in the Gulf South. “Together as One” increases the number of large-scale public murals found in Hattiesburg to 31. HAPA, through partnership with VisitHATTIESBURG, continues to share the HBURG Public Art Trail, which now has 46 stops, and other dynamic art offerings in the city.

For more information about the HBURG Public Art Trail, visit HAPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or hattiesburgpublicart.com. To stay up to date with HAPA announcements and call for artists, sign-up for the organization newsletter.

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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. The organization partially funded by VisitHATTIESBURG, Mississippi Art Commission grants, the City of Hattiesburg, and other local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.