Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Mid-South RC&D recently awarded the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce a community grant in the amount of $4,350 to assist with the Chamber’s mural trail project in downtown Greenville. The mural project, which is currently a series of three murals, began in early 2020.

The first mural, which is themed “HEY Y’ALL – SHARE THE LOVE” is located on the Safe Harbor building facing the Greenville Police Department. The “Share The Love” mural, which features colorful flowers that the city is known for – Camellias – “The Camellia City” was a collaboration between the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, local artist and business owner Stacey Edwards, and local sponsors: Butler County Commission for Economic Development, Camellia Communications, Dr. Jean Thompson, and Greenville Paint.

The second mural, which will be funded with Mid South’s grant, is themed “Grateful for Greenville” and will be designed to look similar to a postcard featuring buildings, places and things that represent Greenville’s history, present and future. Muralist Michelle Black began work on the mural Monday. The “Grateful for Greenville” mural, which will take about four weeks to complete, will be located on the side of the Meadows & Co. building, in the heart of downtown Greenville

The “Grateful for Greenville” tagline was inspired by Greenville native, chamber board member, and local downtown business owner Danan Whiddon, and the motto has sort of transformed into a trend on social media #GratefulForGreenville. Greenville High School art teacher, Kayla Small and art students will assist with stages of the mural as part of a graded project and will assist the muralist in shifts throughout the mural project timeline.

The Chamber and its board of directors is excited to see the mural trail come to life,” said GACOC Executive Director, Tracy Salter. “The Chamber board started tossing the idea around of murals in the downtown area about two years ago and with the support of local building owners, sponsors and super talented artists, they are finally coming to life,” said Salter. “Murals create a tangible sense of place, destination, resulting in increased foot traffic while adding color, vibrancy, and character to a community,” said Salter. “Murals have the opportunity to tell the community’s story, create a unique experience, engage citizens, increase foot traffic and tourism, increase appreciation for the arts and artists, and increase overall attractiveness of the space.

We’re so excited about the murals and the beauty they bring to Greenville – we’re thrilled to get to be a part of such a beautiful project, and can’t wait to see the finished products,” said Salter.

Stay tuned to the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on the mural project work/progress, sponsorship announcements, and details about the third mural, expected to begin in late spring/early summer.

An official unveiling of the ‘Grateful for Greenville’ mural will be announced in the coming weeks.