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MACAS will host its inaugural mural festival, Selma Rising, at Phoenix Park on Water Avenue Saturday, Oct. 19,  from 9 a.m. to  5 p.m.

Created in partnership with arts and business leaders from Columbus, Ohio, the Selma Rising Mural Festival will feature five professional artists: three Columbus-based muralists and two Southeast artists. 

The artists will paint eight moveable boards assisted by Selma community members. All Selma residents are invited to attend and participate.

All Selma residents are welcome to come paint alongside the artists to contribute to the creation of the eight murals. All ages are welcome and no artistic experience is necessary.

Said MACAS President Tres Taylor, “The Selma Rising Mural Festival is a celebration of community, creativity and diversity. It brings people together, encourages collaboration between artists and residents and adds a vibrant and dynamic element to our city’s cultural fabric.”

Muralists from Columbus, Ohio, are: April Sunami, Lance Johnson and Duarte Brown. Chapel Hill-based Tom Triumph and Carey Fountain, who works with Foot Soldiers Park, represent the Southeast. While in Selma, the five artists will lead a painting workshop with Selma High School students in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. The students will be invited to participate in the festival and to be the founding members of an after school arts club. 

Along with painting the murals, there will be children’s activities, voter registration and health screenings by UAB’s Live HealthSmart Mobile Wellness Van team during the festival. The St. James will be offering a special mural festival grab-and-go menu.  

At the festival’s conclusion, the eight portable murals will remain in Phoenix Park for one year as an inspiring backdrop for visitors and local residents. At the end of the year, the murals will be moved to their respective wards to permanent homes.

MACAS’ mission is to use community art projects as a bridge to create shared experiences, enrich our city with beauty, and inspire compassion.