The design/concept of this 24'x8' community mural was based on a block quilt highlighting historical, cultural, and social interpretations of the state of Alabama as well as the city of Decatur. Local Art teacher, Beth Allison Young worked closely with artist Markus Tracy in helping to organize a partnership with three elementary schools, Alabama Center for the Performing Arts and the community of Decatur. 

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 called for the voluntary or forcible removal of all Indians from the eastern United States to the state of Oklahoma. This mural, painted by Marco Vasquez, features the Trail of Tears Walking Bridge that stretches over the Tennessee River in a significant location. In June of 1838, thousands of Cherokee Indians were removed from Ross' Landing, Tennessee down the Tennessee River on flatboats and passed under where the Trail of Tears Walking Bridge is now located. When the Tennessee River got so low, another large group of Native Americans left Ross' Landing and marched overland near this bridge and followed closely to what is now U.S. Highway 72. Many Native Americans died and others escaped into the area and today, area residents can trace their Native American ancestry to those who fled. As many as 4,000 deaths occurred because of this forced removal of civilized Native Americans from their rightful homes.

Athens State University students are working with the Veterans Museum to create a 40-foot-long mural across the street from the museum's parking lot. The mural will be 15 feet tall and feature three soldiers in front of an American flag made of between 170 and 200 photos of Limestone County veterans. Estimated date to be completed is July 2021.

This mural, by Robert Bean, is an artistic interpretation of the different sciences taught in the College of Science Materials Science building on the campus of University of Alabama in Huntsville. The center image is inspired by a painting by Caspar David Friedrich entitled Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog. Friedrich was a 19th century German romantic landscape painter and considered the most important German artist of his generation. Starting with the inspiration from Friedrich’s painting, Bean added moon phases to the top which bridge the left and right panels, visually and thematically to create unity throughout the work. The mural begins with contemplating existence and our place in the world/universe.

The image creates an immersive environment with the figure looking out to the landscape and is intended to invite the viewer into the work. The viewer is contemplating the grandeur of nature. The phases of the moons on top suggest the passage of time. Looking out at the unknown suggests the limits of our understanding. Over time, in art and science, each generation takes information from the past and adds another level of understanding with advancements in technology and knowledge.

This work also suggests important concepts in physics, space and time. In this narrative painting, the artist invites the viewer into the image, giving a visual path up the rocks. The figure is life size giving a reference point for the viewer, this works with how one perceives space. The center panel addresses Earth science, land elevations and weather patterns. The artist uses shapes from science and art such as the spiral, circle, triangle and hexagon.

The painting was constructed with mathematical order. It includes atmospheric perspective which was developed by Leonardo Da Vinci as a visual experiment to study how the atmosphere obscures objects in the distance. He didn’t completely understand the phenomenon, but was able to successfully create the effect of 3D space on a 2D surface. This led to advances in understanding in later generations in science and in art.

Below at the bottom of the staircase, the mural starts underwater with simple organisms, jellyfish, and leads up the stairs toward the “light” above where the viewer sees simple cells and plant cells. There are also more complex organisms, bees. The bees and hive suggest the importance of bees in the ecosystem.

The right side of the mural going up the stairs is outer space and represents more sophisticated optics, which have given us a much more advanced understanding of outer space. There are also sunspots and solar flares represented with the sun image.
This mural creates an immersive experience. There are multiple “selfie spots” as well. The mural opens up the space creating a vista which is dynamic, dramatic and engaging.
Please note the mural is located inside the University of Alabama - Huntsville Materials Science Building. Hours of operation for the building is Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. The closest visitor parking is available behind "Optics Building," parking lot number W26. More parking information is available at https://www.uah.edu/map.

Artist Adam Stephenson and assistant Pamela Tellez Coria have completed work on the focal point of the music-themed alley. Entitled “Playing the Sound of the Wind” the fiddler’s song resonates through this vibrantly colored mural spanning 20 feet high by 40 feet wide. Funded in part, by Athens State University Foundation, the work of art aims to pay respect to the Foundation’s annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.


Artist Adam Stephenson was raised by a musical family and had this to say about the mural. “My parents fell in love while singing together in a rock band. My grandparents traveled the US performing in a country band. My grandfather even has the fortune to host the Grand Ole Opry on a few occasions with Dolly Parton. I myself am a musician and learned how to play multiple instruments under the guidance of my father. My father passed away in November of 2020, and this mural is a beautiful opportunity to honor the musical heritage of my family.”

We have Jason Sharp to thank for this beautiful reminder. Jason, who passed away in 2019, was a beloved local artist whose work was an inspiration to many. He had a heart for people with mental disabilities as shown in his teaching an art course for the Mental Health Center and regularly volunteering for events for those with special needs. 

This mural was created by Glenn Mitchell, founder and curator of The Chasing Art Project located in Decatur. Glenn has traveled the globe following world-renowned street artists and learning about the process behind creating public art. The purpose of the Chasing Art Project is to unite the city with beautifully inspiring and culturally relevant public art displays.

The mural celebrates Boom Days in Fort Payne, when in 1889 the city "boomed" by industrialists from New England, mostly Boston, who came for the coal and iron business on Lookout Mountain. They built an Opera House (still in use) and most of the current downtown buildings and many of the Victorian-era homes built during this time are still being used and lived in. The boom ended by 1910 as it was discovered that Lookout Mountain did not have the coal and iron reservoirs necessary to sustain business. The hosiery business began to take its place soon after and Fort Payne became known as "The Sock Capitol of the World".

The mural was painted by volunteers with the Ardmore Community Team on August 21, 2020. Standing at 9 feet tall and 11 foot wide, the mural can be found on the wall adjacent to 30511 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, Alabama, 35739. Ardmore Community Team member Marion Ibsen painted the initial outline of the butterfly on the wall and other volunteers joined him to complete the painting. According to Ibsen, “Ardmore is a community that has really started to come alive over the past few years. Even though the pandemic has knocked us down half a step, there are still businesses being started and those that are thriving here. That's why we came up with the butterfly idea. It's a symbol of renewal and coming back to life.”

The Byler Road mural, by local artist Monica Hooper, is an interactive map of the historic road with important points of interest marked on the map. The the historic Byler Road is Alabama’s first roadway authorized after statehood was achieved in 1819. It is named for Captain John Byler, who commissioned the roadway and eventually settled in Lawrence County.

Completed by local artist Arnold “Bert” Corbin, the Changing Lives One Home At A Time mural highlights the need for affordable housing while reflecting the mission of Habitat for Humanity: bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. The colorful six-panel mural spans over 100 feet, covering the entire east side of the Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley building on Washington Street and Pratt Avenue in Huntsville. Habitat for Humanity of Madison County was established in 1987 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization has partnered with over 300 families in Madison County to help realize their dream of homeownership and is now expanding service to the residents of Limestone County. In March 2022, the organization rebranded as Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley to better reflect its service area.

The Clinton Row Colorwalk is an alley filled with murals painted by local artists. Located between Downtown Storage and The Mercantile, the alley provides a colorful connection between Clinton Avenue East and Holmes Avenue Northwest. Mural artists include Kate LaRocca, Katie Rosetta, Ann Vann, Christina Wegman, Float, Jessie Andrews and Serpouhie Wegman.

The original mural was painted by Coca-Cola sometime after 1945 as an advertising piece for the soft drink and V. W. Sparks Grocery, owner of the building. When the building changed hands in 2000, the mural had faded to a ghost sign. The new building owner started the process to have it repainted and the community rallied around him to help by providing equipment and local elementary school students helped white wash the lower areas. Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Decatur provided the paint and the corporate office of Coca-Cola provided historic designs for specification. Freelance artist Mellissa Meeks of Huntsville took great care to make sure her re-creation would be accurate to the original. The restoration was completed in June of 2015.

Designed by Mayor Richard Phillips and painted by long-time Oneonta Business Association board members and volunteers Tara Murphree and Lisa Wester, this colorful mural includes everything Oneonta - zip code, area code, covered bridges, downtown music, cruise in's and L&N railroad that use to run through downtown Oneonta.
Blount County

The small town of Cherokee, where this mural of a cotton field and a Native American Indian, is situated near the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. The scenic drive roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers and future presidents.

While driving along 2nd Avenue Northeast, check out local artist Jack Tupper's colorful mural of Cullman's first railroad. Painted by Jack Tupper. The train Col. Cullman traveled on to this area probably looked a lot like this one. The tracks stopped at a hotel in Pinnacle, now Vinemont, and horses were taken to complete the five-mile journey. The South and North was later a part of the L&N line. Passenger trains did not usually have a caboose, but, at Mayor Max Townson's request, one was added to depict Col. Cullman sitting and observing the depot he was passing. The first depot was not built until the tracks were lain from Vinemont to Cullman. The present depot, visible from the site of the mural, was built in 1913 and is one the National Register of Historic Places.

Local artist Bethany Kerr received help from students in painting the mural of Cullman's first high school. The first high school, located where Cullman Middle School now stands, was built on 10 acres donated by George Parker and C.A. Stiefelmeyer. A building committee of prominent businessmen raised $10,000 to build the school. Six students graduated in the first class in 1912.

The Leesburg Mural showcases the beauty of Weiss Lake and Lookout Mountain found in the Leesburg area. Each letter has a story to tell:
L- With over 30,000 acres of water, there are plenty of areas for waterskiing on Weiss Lake.
E- Anglers travel from all over to fish Weiss Lake.
E- Pirates Bay Water Park is a top rated waterpark located on a hilltop overlooking Weiss Lake.
S- While known as the Crappie Capital of the World, Weiss Lake is not limited to crappie alone, and largemouth striped and hybrid striped bass add to the lake's diversity which attracts numerous tournaments.
B- Rock climbing at Cherokee Rock Village offers some of the most spectacular vistas in Alabama.
U- Cherokee County is one of the top producers of cotton in North Alabama.
R- Canoeing in the Coosa River/Weiss Lake is a favorite past time for many.
G- Sailing on Weiss Lake is very popular with a race held in August each year.
Painted by Tiffany Beal from Piedmont, AL, the mural is located on the side of the Leesburg Fire Department in the Town Park.

Created by the talented Sonya Clemons, known throughout North Alabama as the Art Lady, her colorful and whimsical illustrations are designed to engage children with their local history. This mural is for the children of Madison, who will be able to learn about the history of their city. Visit https://www.mvpmadison.org/madisonstation to learn more about the Madison history depicted in the mural.

Created by local artist Ann Moeller, this mural pays homage to the monarch butterfly—Alabama’s state insect and a symbol of transformation and community, which also represents Madison’s own growth and transformation. The March of the Monarch also aims to raise awareness about the monarch's migration journey, with Madison being a part of this important path. Visit https://www.mvpmadison.org/monarch to learn more about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly.

A project of Athens Main Street, Merchants Alley features a series of music-themed murals, each one paying tribute to the city's musical legazcies. The focal point of the alley is entitled "Playing the Sound of the Wind." Spanning 20' high and 40' wide, the mural aims to pay respect and acknowledge one the city's top annual events, Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. It was designed and painted by Adam Stephenson and Pamela Tellez Coria. The alley also includes art passages created by students at the Alabama Center for the Arts, selfie murals made by local high school artists and a Brittany Howard mural. Howard is best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the American rock band Alabama Shakes and is a native of rural Athens.

While restoring the building, owners of the Market & Monroe event venue uncovered an old Coca-Cola mural. Huntsville Coca-Cola commissioned award-winning artist Brian Tull to recreate the early 1900s classic style mural who suggested adding a female and a six pack from a real Coca-Cola ad. The large-scale mural took nine days to complete.
Limestone County

The OBA Artwalk, located on the 200 block, with entrances on 2nd Avenue (next to Southen Exposure Photography on Hwy 75) and 1st Avenue (next to Miller's Soda Shoppe), features works of art that make Alabama beautiful. The colorful murals are by different artists including Hope Beason (Water's Edge), Graeson Bittle (Making Waves), Jess Burnett (Bent, Not Broken), Janice Cook​ (O NE ON TA), Christian Corvin (Kindness Matters), Redonia Davis (Willow Tree Wonders), Matthew Green (All Roads Lead to Home), Kenleigh Key (Grow Through Everything You Go Through), Emma Knowles (Wherever the Wind Blows and Reflect the Sun), Laurie Knowles (Baa...rb Psalm 100:3), Brandon Moore (Gallantly Streaming), ​Tara Murphree (Stars Shine on Little Joe's), ​Morgan Plyler (Sweet Shoppe), ​Sam Sanfilippo (Home...If Only in My Mind) and Mandy Smith (Love Where You Live).

Co-creator and illustrator of Pete the Cat children’s book series James Dean hails from the mountain town of Fort Payne. Dean returned to his hometown in 2022 to paint the huge Pete the Cat mural in downtown at the intersection of Gault Avenue North and 4th Street. Be sure to check out the Pete the Cat alley and the Pete the Cat sidewalk star located nearby.

On the outer corner of Seidr Brewing's courtyard, you can catch a glimpse of the beauty and majesty of Freyja, Norse Vanir goddess of love, wife of Odin, and ruler of Sessrumnir Hall. She is joined by her chariot pulling cats, Bygul and Trjegul, as she relaxes on her forest throne. There are a few hidden details within the mural, such as a memorial to artist Bethany Marie Kerr's wonderful friend Karen. So be sure to take a close look. Kerr's work can be enjoyed throughout the community, such as stealing the show as the backgrounds and settings for local actors at The Whole Backstage and on several more murals throughout the community. She is the mother of eight children and in her spare time she can be found encouraging people living with the effects of Bell's Palsy, as she herself works through it showcasing her amazing strength and perseverance.

Step into the vibrant colors of Sonny Side where an unassuming alley off Johnston Street SE in downtown Decatur becomes a living canvas, inviting you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of the talented Britt Flood's imagination. Inspired by local wildlife, native wildflowers, and the iconic Alabama Jubilee hot air balloons, this mural is a true celebration of the city's unique charm.

The Lumberyard was founded 120 years ago and from the beginning, it enabled many Huntsvillians to build their dreams - whether it was a home or a business. AM Booth was renowned across the region for his business savvy, his willingness to lend a helping hand and his community-minded spirit. In 2007, the Lumberyard morphed into an unique event venue offering live music shows and delicious food and drinks. Like many businesses across the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the owners to close the doors. The venue is currently undergoing renovations by new owners. The mural by Robert Sallee is still available to the public.

Created by internationally renowned muralist, and Shoals resident, Scott Campbell, the mural features a portrayal of a young Sam Phillips, the Armstead Chapel in Florence, The Shoals music legacy, the Wilson Dam along with the vast fishery in Pickwick, Wilson and Wheeler lakes. Audio segments, which were produced by Big River Broadcasting and voiced by Jerry Phillips, Halley Phillips and Rodney Hall, can be heard by scanning the QR code on a plaque on the east lawn of the Visitor Center. The segments delve deeper into the life of Sam Phillips, the music narrative which represents the multiple generations of Muscle Shoals music, and how the dam, through TVA, lifted the entire Shoals community with jobs and improved the quality of life for each resident and visitor.

The mural pays tribute to the founding of the town. In the late 1880s, Phillip “Phil” Campbell was a railroad construction supervisor for the Birmingham, Sheffield and Tennessee River Railroad. Mel Allen, a Franklin County merchant, wanted to establish a town around his store. Allen promised if Campbell brought the railroad through the new town, he would name the town in his honor. Campbell agreed, and that is how the town came to be known as Phil Campbell. The mural was painted by Cori Alsbrooks, an accomplished artist from Sheffield who has done a number of works throughout the country.

Painted by Missy Miles (Miles of Murals), the 15’10” H x 30’ W mural highlights two remarkable artists from Leighton, AL. Percy Sledge and Jimmy Hughes are cousins that both experienced fame in the music industry and played huge roles in the development of Muscle Shoals Sound that the world came to know and love. Percy Sledges’ song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, was released in 1966 from Norala (Sheffield AL) under the Atlantic label. It received world recognition and became No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R & B charts. The mural’s mid-century design was inspired by the atomic design on the Fame label, as Jimmy Hughes’s song “Steal Away” was the first hit for Fame Recording Studios. The mural’s composition was designed to mimic the layering of sound in music production and the bold colors encourage the viewer to dance their eyes down the wall. (Photo credit: Juergen Beck)

Local artist Jack Tupper painted the massive mural of the USS Cullman. According to the U.S. Naval Historical Center, the USS Cullman (APA-78) was a 4,247-ton Gilliam-class attack transport ship. Upon her commission in January 1945, she sailed from San Francisco in March for Pearl harbor, where she operated in training and inter-island transport duties; to San Pedro, where she embarked troops and cargo for Eniwetock, Ulithi and Luzon; and on to the Philippines to load Army occupation troops for delivery to Tokyo Bay. The Cullman was present in Tokyo Bay during the Japanese Surrender Ceremony on Sept. 2, 1945, as shown in the mural. After stops in Okinawa and Guam, the Cullman landed Marines at Taku Bar, China, for the reoccupation of northern China and lifted Chinese troops from Hong Kong to Taku and Tsingtao. She then carried out two "Magic Carpet" voyages, returning one load of returning servicemen to San Francisco form Manila in December 1945 and another from Okinawa in February 1945. The Cullman was decomissioned at San Francisco in May 1946.

In 1882, founder Stephen Tuttle Thompson applied to the federal government to open a post office in the community and submitted three possible names for it: Ink, Blue Bird and Arad, after his son Ranson Arad Thompson. The government committee chose the latter but misspelled it as Arab.  Arab has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names (prounounced A-rab).

The Welcome to Cullman mural was painted by local artist Bethany Kerr. As visitors enter the city on the west side of town they are welcomed by Col. Johann G. Cullmann, who came from Germany to America. As a land agent for the L&N Railroad he envisioned a prosperous colony for the area. He arrived here with five families in 1873 and began a primarily German community.

The “Welcome to Hodges” mural, painted by Missy Miles (Miles of Murals), showcases the natural beauty of the area and pays tribute to the community’s rich heritage. Hodges lies in Franklin County and just south of Rock Bridge Canyon and is known for its small town charm, friendly people and beautiful scenery that make it a haven for camping, hiking and fishing.