project overview
HICKORY HILL BUS SHELTER ARTISTIC ENHANCEMENTS | HICKORY HILL NAI
Focusing on education and community development, Gestalt’s network of five K-12 college-preparatory charter schools which serve over 2,300 students have been a driving force in Hickory Hill. Targeting low-income communities with failing schools, Gestalt catalyzes grassroots leadership to revitalize neighborhoods, create high performing schools, and tackle out-of-school challenges. Over the last decade, Gestalt has launched 5 successful schools and built a unique approach to urban community engagement and strategic partnerships addressing every aspect of a thriving community: education, community revitalization, economic development, housing, health and wellness, financial empowerment, and social-emotional support.
In the 1950s, Hickory Hill was a rural community just southeast of Memphis, with some paved roads and less than 1,000 homes were available in the area. Today, Hickory Hill is bounded on the north by where Bill Morris Parkway (385) meets Kirby, and the community of Fox Meadows (or Winchester Road), on the east by Riverdale Road, on the south by Holmes Road and Shelby Drive, and on the west by Mendenhall Road and/or the community of Parkway Village. Hickory Hill has a unique cultural character with residents having a die hard spirit and a loyal heart to see the neighborhood thrive. In spite of the drastic economic and societal changes, Hickory Hill remains a hard working, family focused and creative community. Ninety-two percent of Hickory Hill residents are minority (82.2% African American and 9.8% Hispanic). Many of Hickory Hill’s residents not only hold down a 9 to 5 but are also small business owners and entrepreneurs with an array of talents ranging from culinary arts and fashion, to cosmetology, acting and more. Hickory Hill is also the home of some of the most influential faith-based organizations in the city: World Overcomers, Greater Community Temple COGIC and New Direction Christian Church
After receiving a project grant through UAC’s Neighborhood Art Initiative program, the Gestalt Community Schools and Hickory Hill released an open call seeking an artist(s) to create an artistic bus shelters that speak to Gestalt’s definition of a thriving community: education, community revitalization, economic development, housing, health and wellness, financial empowerment, and social-emotional support. Artist Brandon Marshall responded with a design by creating four eight foot metal cutouts with hand painted renderings of four dancers with roots in the Hickory Hill Community. Each sculpture is accompanied by a QR Code which links to a short films featuring practitioners of the ‘Memphis Jookin’ style of dance.
“JOOKIN JUNCTION” A HICKORY HILL CELEBRATION (VIDEO)
About the artist
brandon Marshall
Brandon Gaia Marshall, a University of Memphis Graphic Design graduate, excels in mural art and Public Art. Having lived and worked in both Detroit and Memphis, and creating hundreds of murals across five continents, Brandon combines a love for design and illustration with a passion for large scale painting.Rooted in the Hip Hop Community as a Graffiti Artist, B-Boy, promoter, and educator, he founded the “Soul Food” graffiti art festival. His work spans mural festivals globally, driven by a pursuit of artistic excellence.
