A once-faded retaining wall along one of Alabama’s busiest highways has been transformed into a large public mural — and the inspiration for a new campaign supporting vulnerable children and families.
Embrace Alabama Kids recently completed a mural along U.S. 280 near Overton Road in Mountain Brook and is launching a 28-day digital giving campaign called “Turn Traffic into Transformation.” The effort invites the more than 100,000 drivers who pass the site each day to help raise awareness and funding for children and families across Alabama.
The 10-foot-tall, 80-foot-wide mural was painted by Birmingham muralist Shawn Fitzwater and depicts three Mountain Brook landmarks: the Old Mill House, the Jemison Trail Bridge and Mountain Brook Village. The three-panel design now greets commuters traveling along one of the Birmingham area’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Rebecca McKinney Morris of Embrace Alabama Kids said the location prompted the idea for a broader community initiative.
“It quickly became clear that this could be more than public art,” Morris said. “It could connect thousands of people who drive this corridor every day with the mission of serving vulnerable children across Alabama.”
That idea led to the launch of Turn Traffic into Transformation, a 28-day campaign beginning March 10. Supporters are encouraged to donate $28, $280, $2,800 or any amount to support programs serving children and families across the state.
“You drove past it,” Morris said. “Now drive change.”
The mural project began in December when Morris noticed the faded artwork along the retaining wall, which had not been repainted since the 1990s. After reaching out to state and local officials, she connected with State Sen. Dan Roberts and Mountain Brook Mayor Graham Smith, who supported the effort to revitalize the corridor. An anonymous donor funded the mural project.
Morris then contacted Fitzwater, whose murals appear across the Birmingham area.
“From our first conversation, Shawn truly listened to the vision,” Morris said. “Even with a tight timeline, his response was simple: ‘If you get it approved, I’ll get it done.’”
Smith said the project demonstrates what can happen when public and private partners work together.
“We are deeply grateful to Embrace Alabama Kids for this stunning mural that captures Mountain Brook’s iconic landmarks,” Smith said. “Their generous spirit has done more than brighten a once-neglected corridor.”
Leaders of the nonprofit say the mural is also intended to highlight the needs of children across Alabama.
“For more than 135 years, Embrace Alabama Kids has served vulnerable children and families who need stability, care and hope,” said K. Blake Horne, president and CEO of the organization. “Support generated through this campaign will help provide safe homes, counseling and family preservation services.”
Founded in 1890, Embrace Alabama Kids serves more than 1,100 children and families each year through foster care, family preservation programs, crisis support and residential services.
The Turn Traffic into Transformation campaign will run for 28 days beginning March 10. More information is available at embracealkids.org.