Project Overview

Bickford Community Center | District Mural Program

UAC and the City of Memphis launched the second iteration of the District Mural Training Program in 2017 to provide mural training and professional development to seven Memphis-based artists, culminating in each artist creating their own $30,000 mural project in each of the seven Council districts. Training to support neighborhood engagement in the public art process, mural design and installation techniques was provided in partnership with MuralArts Philadelphia in Memphis and Philadelphia following artist selection in May 2018. Each artist was paired with a site across the city including Bickford Community Center, Whitehaven Community Center, May Soccer Complex, Orange Mound Community Center, Mitchell Community Center, Raleigh Town Center, and Marion Hale Community Center.

About the Artist

Danielle Sierra

by: Ebony Archie

Danielle grew up a California girl, born and raised in Avenal, but eventually moved to Fresno to receive her BSA in Studio Painting. She became heavily involved with the creative culture there, but shied away from murals. When asked about applying for the DMP she said “public murals always seemed based solely from an artist's perspective, so I shied away from murals, but this was about making art that reflected the community,” which was a huge factor that influenced her applying.

In asking what inspired her to become an artist she reminded us of how powerful influence is in crafting our lives, for her father largely influenced her desire to be an artist. She recanted a delightful story about him carving a monkey from a peach pit, sparking a lifelong love and devotion to her craft.

Sierra’s art is divinely inspired and is her offering unto God, His creations, and ultimately His love towards us. It’s a testimony to the gifts and talents we are all bestowed.