MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change

Murals 25 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
#BHAMSTRONG. Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow

We can all probably agree that these past few weeks have been difficult. However, the way the Birmingham community has come together is astounding. I can personally say that I’ve never experienced this magnitude of positivity, support and push towards change in my short 22 years of life. Local businesses and artists are bringing powerful art to storefronts. Let’s take a visual tour of the incredible murals bringing hope and good vibes to the Magic City.

Wheelhouse Salon

Murals 20 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
In memory of George Floyd. Photo by Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Unfortunately, Wheelhouse Salon was one of the downtown businesses damaged on the night of May 31. Rather than dwelling on what was lost, they focused on how they can help the community. What was the product? This insanely beautiful mural painted in honor of George Floyd!

“We don’t condone vandalism or looting and we hope other businesses won’t have to experience what we have gone through in the last week but what is worse than vandalism and looting is lives lost to senseless racism.”

Statement from The Wheelhouse Salon Instagram
Murals 24 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Mural in front of Wheelhouse Salon. Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow

The Modern Brand Co.

modern brand mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Head on down and add your handprint. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

What was originally a preventative measure to prepare for possible future vandalism turned into a work of art. You can even add your hand to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Murals 19 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
The beginning of something powerful. Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow
  • Artist: @themodernbrand
  • Address: 1826 3rd Ave N #102, Birmingham, AL 35203

Honeycreeper Chocolate + basic.

Murals 26 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Just another reason why I love Morris Avenue. Photo by Matthew Niblett for BhamNow

Honeycreeper Chocolate and basic. wanted to bring a symbol of hope to Birmingham as soon as the peaceful protests for the Black Lives Matter movement began. They proceeded to create a mural similar to the one you see…until it was painted over by the company that owns the barrier wall. Why was it painted over? I wish I could give you a good answer, but that didn’t stop them. Instead, they just built their own wall and recreated the mural.

“Because the most important takeaway is that BLACK LIVES MATTER. To our family and friends of color—we stand with you, and we will not be silenced until you live as fearlessly in this world as we do. Paint over our words, drown out our cries, but WE WILL NEVER BE SILENT. SAY THEIR NAMES, ALABAMA.”

Statement from basic. on Instagram

The Pizitz

pizitz mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
This might be the biggest one yet! Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

The Pizitz and Blank Space Bham joined forces to create this community art project and all of Birmingham was invited to participate on Sunday, June 7.

The mural will remain in front of The Pizitz’s gallery walls even after the rest of the barricade is removed. It’ll serve as a reminder to spread love and peace.

hand paint at pizitz MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Anyone is welcome to leave their mark. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Chocolata

chocolata blm mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Mural at Chocolata in Downtown Birmingham. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Alabama Theatre

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Alabama Theatre’s new inspirational mural. Photo by Hannah Chambley for BhamNow
alabama theatre mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
“Be Strong, Be Safe, Be Well”. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

The Lyric Theatre

lyric theatre mural birmingham the world is watching MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
“Birmingham the world is watching”. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow
lyric theatre mural at entrance MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Can’t wait to see the finished result. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Adam’s Eye Care

adams eye care MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
“Catch the vision, Make the connection and Advance the cause”. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Vibestreet Studios

breonna taylor mural at vibestreet studios MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Mural honoring Breonna Taylor. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Murals are appearing left and right in Birmingham. This one at Vibestreet Studios honors Breonna Taylor who would have celebrated a birthday this past weekend. Another life cut too short, but her name will never be forgotten.

Birmingham’s Loft District

The southeast corner of the Loft District has always been a hot spot for creativity whether that be food, clothes, art or even music. Now beautiful 2nd Avenue North between 23rd and 24th Street North is overflowing with powerful works of art. The area radiates with support and solidarity because material things can be replaced. Lives can not. Like most of us, the following businesses have recognized that it’s time for a change.

Charm on 2nd

charm on 2nd mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Windows can be replaced. Lives can’t. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Charm on 2nd was also damaged during the riots. I just discovered what a gem this shop was this past year. Every time I visited, the owners made sure to make me feel welcomed.

“Lives are more important than material things. We will rebuild but lost lives can not be replaced. Sending love to all of our fellow business owners that were hit. Now more than ever we need to support each other.”

Statement for Charm on 2nd’s Instagram

Asthetik Bham

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Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Urban Standard

urban standard mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

Yo’ Mama’s + Maxwell Tillman

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Photo by Hannah Chambley for BhamNow
Downtown Birmingham Murals 12 MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Photo by Hannah Chambley for BhamNow

Zarzaur Law Office

mural on 2nd avenue MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Justice for y’all! Photo via Gusty Gulas on Facebook

Paper Doll

paper doll mural MURAL PHOTOS: How Birmingham businesses + artists are using art to express solidarity for change
Another mural by the wonderful duo known as bendyknees design. Photo by Chaise Sanders for BhamNow

You’re probably wondering who helped coordinate all of these amazing murals. Within less than 24 hours, Gusty Gulas had the support of over 50 artists, musicians and volunteers. Name sound familiar? He’s the founder of Gusty Gulas Group, one of Birmingham’s top real estate companies.

It may be just plywood but this is proof that art and positivity can bring the whole community together for a greater cause. If you’d like to get involved, check out the B’ham Cleanup Facebook group.

We’re so proud to call Bham home! If you find a new mural, make sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram @BhamNow + Twitter @now_bham

Chaise Sanders
Chaise Sanders
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