Project Overview
Mitchell 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.
A metal frame was built and attached to the wall at Mitchell Community Center to complete this mural. Larry and assistants painted the mural on a fabric called polytab at the community center. Upon completion, it was applied to the wall outside. Several coats of clear gel and epoxy have been applied to secure the life of the mural years to come.
About the Artist
Larry Walker
photograph by Ebony Archie
Larry Walker, Memphis, TN, saw himself as “one of those kids that never…could be an artist,” but after winning 3rd place and a candy bar in a bookmark contest in grade school, Walker discovered his love for art, especially portraiture. After countless hours of perfecting his craft, he attended Memphis College of Art due to his art teacher submitting his college application, unbeknownst to him.
When Walker applied for the District Mural Program, he intended to apply a month before, but he swears he submitted it two minutes before it was due. He realized that he was making a bunch of “pretty art,” but was desiring an opportunity to do art with a message.
As a Memphis native, he’s been able to create portraits for Shelby County’s first African American mayor, A.C. Wharton, create the poster for the Memphis in May festival, and countless others making a name for himself in Memphis.
