Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Have you seen Java Lewis’ 15 holiday window murals in Birmingham? [Photos]
Reading time: 6 minutes
Each year around the holidays, local painter Java Lewis decorates the windows of businesses in Birmingham with scenes of holiday cheer 🎄 I caught up with Java this week to learn about his paintings & visit each one!
Click here to view Java Lewis’ holiday paintings from 2020.
Java Lewis, Birmingham’s “Mr. Painterman”
Painter, recording artist, hair stylist and more—Java Lewis has done it all. A Birmingham native, Java is perhaps best known for his holiday window murals. Each winter, Java brings familiar holiday scenes & characters to life on the windows of prominent storefronts throughout The Magic City using nothing but a paintbrush, paint and his creative imagination.
In addition to his holiday murals, Java Lewis is an active recording artist! You can hear his recorded music on ReverbNation and SoundCloud.
The Murals
1. The Reynolds Building
Address: 1229 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35234
Just a hop, skip & a jump from the Top Golf in Uptown, the Reynolds Building is home to Laborers’ Local Union 559. Java Lewis decorated several doors on the exterior of the building!
2. Dog Days of Birmingham
Address: 112 18th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Dog Days of Birmingham is a fan-favorite for any four-legged critter in The Magic City—especially with their one-of-a-kind rooftop dog park! The large glass windows were the perfect canvas for Java Lewis & his holiday art.
3. John’s City Diner
Address: 112 Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Although John’s City Diner temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this true Birmingham classic officially re-opened their doors earlier this year. In fact, I ate at the historic Birmingham restaurant for the first time earlier this month—yum!
4. University Tacos
Address: 2009 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35233
While taking these photos, I finally grabbed a bite to eat at University Tacos for my first time. It definitely lives up to the hype. Plus, Java Lewis painted a special mural—featuring UAB’s mascot—inside!
5. Church Unlimited
Address: 5235 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
Located along Highway 280 near Meadowbrook, Church Unlimited features several paintings by Java Lewis at their entrance!
6. Adam’s Eye Care
Address: 1712 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Located next to the Birmingham CAP office, Adam’s Eye Care‘s office features several of Java Lewis’ holiday murals.
7. Alabama Peanut Co.
Address: 2016 Morris Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35203
Fun fact: Alabama Peanut Co.‘s building has been home to a peanut company of some form or fashion since 1907. In fact, Alabama Peanut Co. still uses the original, hundred-year-old peanut roasters! Grab one of the South’s favorite snacks while you enjoy Java Lewis’ paintings.
8. Goodyear Shoe Hospital
Address: 2016 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
While snapping a few photos of the holiday paintings at Goodyear Shoe Hospital—proudly serving the soles of The Magic City since 1919—I got the chance to speak with owner Rhonda Patton. She’s known Java Lewis for over 20 years, and helped him secure one of his first art gigs in Birmingham.
9. El Barrio
Address: 2211 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
El Barrio is a local fan-favorite for their modern Mexican cuisine—plus, each of their windows are decorated colorfully for the holidays. Oh, and did we mention that they have the best nachos in Alabama?
10. Boutwell Auditorium
Address: 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
Since it was finished in 1924, the historic Boutwell Auditorium is a popular site for concerts, conventions and other events in Birmingham. Be sure to stop by and see Java Lewis’ paintings on 15 of the doors at the entrance!
11. Max Transit Bus Station & Corporate Office
Address: 1825 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, you might be catching a bus ride from Birmingham’s Central Station. While there, you can’t miss Java Lewis’ paintings, which decorate dozens of windows throughout the facility.
12. Olivia’s Transit Restaurant
Address: 1701 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203
And if you’re looking for a bite to eat while waiting for your bus, you can’t go wrong with Olivia’s Transit Cafe. Is it any surprise that Java Lewis’ masterful paintbrush made its way to these windows, too?
13. Ruth’s Place
Address: 2404 Derby Way, Irondale, AL 35210
Not to be confused with Ruth’s Cafe, Ruth’s Place in Irondale is a one-stop-shop for great good and live music. Be sure to see Java’s holiday paintings inside & out of the building!
14. Ruth’s Cafe
Address: 4012 24th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35207
Located to the north of Birmingham, Ruth’s Cafe is a fan favorite, with all the delicious Southern home-cooked dishes you could ask for. During the holidays, their storefront is given a bit of extra cheer by Java Lewis!
15. Robert Hill Custom Tailors
Address: 2205 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Located along 3rd Avenue North next to Magic City Grille, Robert Hill Custom Tailors is a local maker specializing in custom dress closes for the modern professional. Stop by to get fitted for your next suit & to check out Java’s art!
Which of Java Lewis’ murals have you spotted around town? Take a pic and tag @bhamnow to let us know!
