Birmingham is a community of creative, talented, and passionate individuals. In a time where so many struggle to know how to respond to the injustice that has come to light in our country, our artists and creatives have taken to the streets to show their support and stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We have gathered together 4 incredible works of art by local Birmingham artists and creatives that truly showcase the strength and unity of our city.
Wheelhouse Salon Mural
On June 1st, Wheelhouse Salon owners arrived to shattered windows, stolen computers property, and a storefront that had been vandalized. Despite the hurt of the loss and damage to their salon, they chose to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement by commissioning a beautiful mural celebrating the strength of Birmingham. In a moving IGTV video the day after the incident, owner Johnny Grimes said “This stuff can be replaced, but the life of George Floyd cannot. And so, we understand . We’re OK, because we want you to know that we stand with you Birmingham. We love you and support you”.
Wheelhouse Mural - Photo by @cassidyaking , Mural by Shane B. @shanebnsa
2. The Pizitz and Blank Space Bham Community Mural
Before The Pizitz reopened, they joined hands with Blank Space Bham, a woman owned and operated small business that advocates for community art, to create an a beautiful collaborative art piece. Members of the community gathered together to paint their hands and show their support by adding a hand print to this colorful art installation. This interactive mural exhibited all the diversity of Birmingham as community members of all ages, races, and genders gathered together to contribute. The Pizitz wrote on their Instagram page “It is a beautiful thing when we can all come together and show our support for peace and equality”.
The Pizitz and Blank Space Bham Mural - Photo by Savannah Miller of Savannah Miller Photography @savannahmillerphotography
3. Rotary Trail Flower Installation
Carolyn Chen of Wild Things Birmingham wanted to use her unique talents to create an art installation in memory of George Floyd. She reached out to fellow florist Mary Cox Brown of Marigold Designs to begin brainstorming a massive memorial project, and the two quickly gathered a team of over 30 florists who wanted to donate their time and creativity. After getting approval from the Rotary Club of Birmingham, the team gathered together to build and design a stunning floral sculpture on the Magic City Rotary Trail sign. When asked why Carolyn dreamed up this incredible project, she said, “the week started with violence and heartbreak, and I wanted it to end with something beautiful that could reunite our community”. Read more about this incredible installation on the Wild Things Blog.
Newly weds Brandon and Challis posed for Courtney and Michael Ray of Love Behind the Lens Photography
4. Blacks Lives Matter Street Painting
Cara McClure of Black Lives Matter Birmingham and Artist Shawn Fitzwater joined together to design and create a massive street painting on First Avenue South. Many hands gathered together to paint the mural on a grand scale, creating a message that can be seen by planes flying to and from Birmingham. Cara wrote in her Instagram post about the mural “This mural is not going to fix anything, but it’s a friendly remind that All Lives SHOULD matter and a reminder that change is possible and on the way. This art installation is so large that it can only truly be captured from a bird’s eye view.
Photo by Jonathan Black