Mural by Joseph Boyd; Drone Footage by Malcolm Topps

Project Overview

Raleigh Springs Civic 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

Joseph Boyd

Joseph Boyd, Memphis, TN, began his journey of art -making as a kid inspired by dinosaurs, the television show NOVA, and a National Geographic subscription (thanks to his dad).

A pivotal moment for Boyd was when he was introduced to watercolors in middle school. When the medium didn’t have the texture he desired, he thickened the paint, realizing he could make art on his own terms.

From that moment, he continued to explore abstraction, using bold colors, and creating impactful meaning in all of his creations. For Boyd, murals are his favorite way of expressing himself, so it felt only natural to apply for a mural that would allow him to express himself for a city he loves passionately.