HATTIESBURG, MS (Nov. 18, 2024) –– Hattiesburg’s 58th large-scale mural “Glass Ceiling” was unveiled in downtown by the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art and project partners. The commissioned piece was a collective effort of three local artists and honors the late Evelyn Gandy, known for her pioneering and collaborative path in Mississippi politics. The project was completed in a partnership between HAPA, the 19th Amendment Committee, and 2024 Gandy Leadership Academy. In addition to many local and state roles, Gandy served as Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi from 1976 to 1980. As the first woman elected to a statewide office in Mississippi, she broke the glass ceiling for many who came after her. A group of Hattiesburg ninth graders who make up the 2024 Gandy Leadership Academy had the opportunity to paint components of the mural. Led by Representative Missy McGee, the six-week academy meets twice a month to help foster a greater sense of self, community awareness, and civic engagement for high school-aged female residents. In an October session, participants learned about Hattiesburg’s public art efforts and wielded a paintbrush to assist with the completion of “Glass Ceiling.” “The Gandy Leadership Academy was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a permanent mark in our city, in the form of Hattiesburg’s 58th mural celebrating women in leadership,” said Representative McGee. “Many thanks to Hattiesburg’s 19th Amendment Committee, formed in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, and to HAPA, for their generous support which made this beautiful new mural possible. My hope is that it will serve as a reminder to all women that they can do anything they desire and inspire them to dream big.” Hattiesburg artist Kym Garraway has long encouraged Hattiesburg’s youth to unleash their creativity through art classes and workshops. Two young adults mentored by Garraway had the opportunity to complete “Glass Ceiling” as their first large-scale project. Alexis Graham and Emma Hodges joined Garraway to design and execute the mural. While they have both assisted on other projects, Graham and Hodges are now considered muralists and can continue to build their artistic portfolios.
“At the core of HAPA’s mission, we want to support artists while growing the public art footprint of Hattiesburg. This project has accomplished this two-fold,” said HAPA CEO Marlo Dorsey. “Empowering young artists to contribute creative, lasting designs in the community is crucial in shaping their journey. This mural has provided opportunities for our young citizens to make a meaningful impact on their community as they find their unique voices and leave a mark that reflects their passion.” The final design stands at 17 feet wide by 14 feet high and is the first in a series with the Gandy Leadership Academy. Its location near the well-traveled intersections of Batson, Mobile, and Main Streets in downtown Hattiesburg ensures it will be seen by many, including visitors to area merchants like The Lucky Rabbit, Forrest County Chancery Court, Sugar Daddy’s Bakery, Fairley’s Wings, The Bottling Company, and others. Since 2020, HAPA has worked to significantly grow Hattiesburg’s public art throughout the city, both in murals and utility boxes. The total number of public art pieces in the community now exceeds 100. To learn more about HAPA or for a map of existing public art in Hattiesburg, visit HAPA’s Facebook and Instagram pages or hburgart.com.
# # #
A program of VisitHATTIESBURG, HAPA began in 2014 through the leadership of community members and generous donors passionate about publicly sharing art and making it accessible to all. HAPA continues to purchase and place art throughout the city – in parks, neighborhoods, public buildings, and businesses – while also raising awareness for works of art already in the area. The organization is partially funded by VisitHATTIESBURG, Mississippi Arts Commission grants, the City of Hattiesburg, and other local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.
