Artist Trés Taylor brings community mural project to Selma this weekend

Published 12:35 pm Wednesday, August 12, 2020

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A Birmingham artist will paint a mural in Selma for the second straight year.

Tres’ Taylor will create a mural as part of his Revolution of Joy art project, in partnership with a national nonprofit organization, Can’d Aid, this weekend. The building location, owned by Selma resident Williams Powell, is at the corner of Water Avenue and Franklin Street.

Anyone who can hold a paintbrush, from toddlers to seniors, is invited to participate during Aug. 14, Aug. 15 and Aug.16 in time slots between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to avoid the heat of the day. The building location, owned by Selma resident Williams Powell, is the corner of Water Avenue and Franklin Street in Selma. All tools and paints will be supplied by Can’d Aid.

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Joining the community in painting the mural are members of 100 Black Men of  Selma, local police, schools and other organizations. Due to COVID-19, the number of volunteers painting on the wall will be limited.

“Alabama’s Black Belt is rich with history, small businesses, artists, eateries, and natural beauty,” Taylor said. “The route of murals invites folks to come see the murals and to linger a bit supporting local economies.”

A former Biochemist, Taylor has been involved local communities with murals in Birmingham and Greensboro.

“I think the Black Belt is a treasure,” Taylor said. “There’s so much history, and it’s culturally rich. It needs to be appreciated by more people. I see this mural project as having great potential for economic possibilities. Artists could come in and create a mural trail. It’s like planting a seed. I have a vision for other artists to create murals on buildings involving people from the town and outside the towns.”

Last June, Taylor created his first mural in Selma, “Uplifted” and inspired by Madame Butterfly of Selma, whose community pollenating gardens make Selma the Swallowtail Capital of Alabama.

Registration to paint is available at candaid salsalabs.org. All skill levels and ages are welcome to join. To get involved, sign up on Can’d aid link: candaid salsalabs.org. For more information, contact  helene@trestaylor.com.