HUNTSVILLE (August 18, 2020) – A new mural honoring the centennial of the 19th Amendment is now part of downtown Huntsville’s landscape thanks to a joint effort between the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) and Arts Huntsville.
The mural titled “This Girl Can,” is located on the north side of Clinton Street Parking Garage, facing Washington Avenue next to The Martin. It is the first three-story mural in Huntsville.
WEDC and Arts Huntsville hosted a virtual dedication ceremony today, exactly 100 years after the 19th Amendment was ratified by the United States Congress on August 18, 1920.
“The Women’s Economic Development Council is honored to have led this joint effort to celebrate all of the women who came before us to ensure our right to vote,” said Erin Bloxham Curtis, the WEDC project manager. “WEDC is an organization that champions women leaders in our community and we wouldn’t be where we are today without these trailblazers.”
Arts Huntsville released a project Request For Qualifications (RFQ) in April 2020. The 19th Amendment mural project RFQ specifically targeted female artists in the southeastern United States. The Huntsville Public Art Committee reviewed the proposal submissions and selected Nashville-based muralist Kimberly Radford for the project.
“Huntsville’s public art portfolio has grown through both public and private investment, and this project was funded by a record number of community partners representing the diverse fabric of our community,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, Arts Huntsville Executive Director. “A guiding vision for public art in Huntsville is to create installations that lift the spirit and engage the mind. As ‘This Girl Can’ soars above Washington Street, it embodies that vision as it greets residents and visitors in downtown Huntsville each day.”
While the mural is not historical, it does represent the past 100 years of women’s suffrage. The young girl is symbolic of all the generations who have fought before her to have the right to vote, as well as a symbol of future generations.
“We hope this mural will have a lasting impact on our community by engaging and inspiring the next generation of voters.” said Bloxham Curtis. “In many ways, it is a call to civic action.”
The project and leadership funding was provided by WEDC. This project is also supported by the AUM Foundation, PNC Bank, Modern Technology Solutions, Inc., PeopleTec, and League of Women Voters of the Tennessee Valley as well as the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Huntsville Alumnae Chapter, American Association of University Women, Beth Brooks, Canvas, Inc., Cured & Company, Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association, Invariant, PALCO, Profit Wise Accounting, Synovus, The Collective, WaveLink, Women In Defense – Tennessee Valley, and the Women’s Business Council.
People can learn more about the mural by visiting wedchsv.org and by following the hashtag #thisgirlcan on social media.
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About the Women’s Economic Development Council
The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) exists to champion women as leaders in business and in the community. The mission of WEDC is to provide opportunities to women for leadership and economic development through education, mentorship, and strategic connections. The WEDC has been an integral part of advancing the role of women in North Alabama. Our organization created the Women’s Business Center (now known as The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship), the Women’s Business Council and the WEDC Foundation, which supports women wanting to complete their education. Our members are made up of over 160 diverse women leaders across Madison County.
About Arts Huntsville
Arts Huntsville is a non-profit organization founded in 1962. Our mission is to stimulate and support community creativity and engagement by advancing the arts, entertainment and culture to enrich quality of life, education, and economic development in the greater Huntsville metropolitan region. Arts Huntsville serves as the local arts agency for the City of Huntsville and the greater metropolitan region, supporting artists, arts organizations, residents and visitors through four core program areas: Arts Promotion & Support, Arts Education, Community Events and Public Art.