New mural celebrating Alabama women begins near Legacy Arena

In April, we filled you in on a new mural titled Steel Magnolias that was in the works on 10th Avenue North near Birmingham’s Legacy Arena. Celebrating famous Alabama women, muralists have officially begun! Read on to find out who’s behind the project and the talented local artist bringing the mural to life.

Behind the Steel Magnolias mural

In an effort to bring more art and history to the Magic City, local business Main Street Inc partnered with the owners of the DCI Building to create a volunteer-based Main Street Mural Committee.

After making a call for muralists last year, the committee chose the talented team of Blank Space Bham, including local artist Dewon Moton, to lead the project.

Blank Space Bham is widely known for its impressive mega-sized murals across Birmingham and beyond. One of their most recent works is of Civil Rights hero Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth located at Legal Services Alabama’s Birmingham office at 1820 7th Ave.

About the mural

What is the Steel Magnolias mural all about?

“The mural embodies transformational females who led with grace, strength, and resolve in the face of adversity and sowed the seeds for the everyday woman to blossom and thrive in their legacy.”

Allyson Anderson, Director of Products & Services, Main Street Inc

As I’m sure you know, the list of Alabama influential women, both past and present, is lengthy. Who will be featured on the Steel Magnolias mural? Here’s the list:

• Coretta Scott-King
• Helen Keller
• Harper Lee
• Rosa Parks

“We hope Steel Magnolias becomes a local landmark and that people come out to enjoy the mural, take selfies, share with others and link to resources to educate and inform. Also, to show people they can dream big and inspire them to bring something beautiful to their own communities. These women are a reminder of the strength inside all of us to change the world.”

Allyson Anderson, Director of Products & Services, Main Street Inc

Here are some quick facts about the Steel Magnolias mural:

• It will stretch 260 feet wide + 20 feet tall.
• It will be an interactive augmented reality mural. Just scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet and watch the mural leap off the wall in an interactive digital experience.
• Contingent upon the weather, the mural will take about two weeks to complete.
• You can find it on the 10th Ave side of the DCI Building located across from Legacy Arena at 920 19th Street North.

Want more murals?

Here are more to discover around the Greater Birmingham Area:

• NEW: “I Love Birmingham” mural commissioned by Freshwater Land Trust is finished  [AERIAL VIDEO]
• If you think this West End mural is special, wait until you hear the story behind it [PHOTOS]
• New mural in Birmingham honors Alabama athletes + leaders, including Charles Barkley
• ¡HICA! unveils stunning new mural—learn the significance & see it here

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