Birmingham, USA | July 7 - 17, 2022
Through the partnership of Hibbett | City Gear and local artists, The World Games 2022 will create four vivid murals on publicly viewed spaces in Jefferson and Shelby counties. With the theme “It’s the Right Time,” the legacy mural initiative will promote diversity and inclusion with public artwork featuring messages of acceptance, kindness, teamwork, and compassion.
As an artist and urbanist, Meghan has long held a passion for championing communities through creative placemaking.
Drawn to the power reflected through the practice of open-source urban design, Blank Space Bham was born from a desire to elevate art’s role in sparking dialogue and action towards empowering people to build strong, thriving communities. As an advocate for intentional placemaking, Meghan believes mural art should reflect a city’s people and be utilized as a tool to amplify their voices.
Partnering with local artists, nonprofits, and businesses, Meghan uses her background in community organizing to help others utilize art in ways that create more accessible, inclusive spaces by bringing together a whole cadre of creative resources and partners.
With over a decade in the field and five years as a small business owner, she not only designs and paints large-scale mural work but also offers consultation and project management services through Blank Space in hopes of inspiring others to use mural art in their own way in Birmingham and beyond!
“6oldie The Artist”, is a self-taught contemporary visual artist currently living in Los Angeles. Some may find it hard to pronounce his name being that it begins with a 6: pronounced [goal.dee]. He purposefully decided to get creative with the letter G to spark curiosity and provoke thought of who he is as an artist.
“6oldie The Artist”, loved to draw as a child. He first picked up a paint brush in junior high school. This is when his “lightbulb” was turned on! As an adolescent it was difficult for him to voice his opinions because he couldn’t find the correct words to say. Art gave him a voice. With every brush stroke he was able to express his emotions. He stated, “Art showed me freedom when it didn’t exist.’ ‘Art gave me peace when it was nowhere to be found.’ ‘My art expresses no limitations or boundaries: it allows me to take my vision wherever I desire with no regard to boxes and opinions.” ‘ I am “6oldie The Artist”, I sell art not dreams!”
Shawn created the final mural near Boutwell Auditorium. He has several murals throughout Birmingham. After posting a video of the mural on social media, a local restaurant owner hired him to paint new signage for their business and Shawn decided to become a full-time muralist. You can find his work all over Birmingham in popular restaurants, shops and destinations like the Birmingham Zoo.
Artist: Belinda Youngblood and class from the Fine Arts Academy at Briarwood Christian School
Location: Oak Mountain State Park
This mural is located at Oak Mountain State Park’s fountain and was created by art students at Briarwood Christian School.
