Some say art is good for the soul. The colors, images, design—all create a feeling. That’s why residents and visitors alike now get a warm welcome with the completion of the new downtown Gadsden mural.
The Welcome to Gadsden Mural
According to a recent article in The Gadsden Times, this mural has been a work in progress for years. In fact, Ray Wetzel, director of the Gadsden Museum of Art, said it has taken two years to find the right artist and secure funding, and then, the coronavirus hit just as they were getting started.
This new downtown Gadsden mural depicts local landmarks and city history in a way that exemplifies dedication, hard work, and a little patience, often make a winning combination. Just like the mural itself painted by Birmingham native Ali Hval.
About the Artist
Hval graduated from the University of Alabama with an art degree in 2015 and had an exhibit at the local Walnut Gallery that same year. Gallery Owner Mario Gallardo follows Hval on Facebook and saw she was painting public murals around Iowa, the state she now calls home.
The postcard-style mural is a first for her, she said. The end result is a wall-sized mural located near some green space at the corner of First and Broad streets, near City Hall. The new downtown Gadsden mural is colorful and features the spelling of Gadsden in large block letters with images inside, a bright sunshine, the hills, and river create the background.
About the Mural
No one can say it better than the Gadsden Museum of Art, the following details are straight from the Facebook page, which you should follow to keep up with all the latest artsy happenings in town:
G: The Etowah Memorial Bridge which is dedicated to the Etowah County World War 1 heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice
A: Founder of Double Springs which later became Gadsden, John Riley
D: Spirit of American Citizenship Monument which honors the citizens and history of our area
S: The new Botanical Garden featuring a sensory garden and much more
D: Noccalula Falls, a 250-acre public park with a 90-foot waterfall and multiple trails
E: The Railroad, a staple of Gadsden economy that still cuts through Downtown
N: The Pitman Theatre opened in 1947
Besides being a vibrant addition to the city, the mural also shows collaboration is key. This beautification project took place thanks to the efforts of many including Greater Gadsden Tourism, Downtown Gadsden Inc., the City of Gadsden and others.
Summary
The new downtown Gadsden mural isn’t the only warm welcome you will find. Whether you are a long-time resident looking for a new place to call home or moving to the city for the first time, Summer Waters is move-in ready! With a one-, two- and three-bedroom options, we have a floor plan that will work for you. Find out more by visiting us at www.summerwatersal.com. For more about what’s happing around town, check out our blog.