About the Mural

Charlie Forrester is a Memphis-based visual artist and art educator with 16 years of professional experience as an artist and 10 years of experience teaching visual arts. His work spans public murals, illustration, graphic design, poster art, comic books, and children’s book illustration, reflecting his versatility and commitment to using art to tell meaningful stories.

Forrester has professionally designed and installed murals for a diverse range of Memphis organizations, businesses, and community spaces, including Memphis Animal Services, Christ Community Dental, Kroger, Central BBQ, the UrbanArt Commission, and Libertas Montessori School, as well as private businesses and residences.

As both an artist and educator, Forrester is committed to fostering creativity, celebrating Memphis’s cultural identity, and connecting people through visual storytelling. His extensive professional experience and longstanding ties to the city inform an artistic practice that honors the character of Memphis while contributing to its ongoing growth and revitalization.

Inspiration and Meaning

Forrester’s mural brings these connections to life through imagery that celebrates the relationship between nature, family, and community. Local flowers and trees reflect the beauty of the natural environment, while themes of family and togetherness highlight the bonds that bring people together. At the heart of the composition is the historic Brick Church, a landmark that represents the enduring role of community institutions in shaping the neighborhood’s identity.

Through this work, Forrester shares a story that is both personal and distinctly Memphis. His art honors the city’s past, celebrates its present, and reflects the importance of preserving the places, relationships, and cultural traditions that make a community thrive.