JACKSON, Tenn. — Community members from across the Hub City came together for the unveiling of a new piece of art.
After 225-230 hours of relentless drawing and studying, an artist presents the results of their labor to the community. Juan Barroso, originally a ceramist, unveiled his first mural.
“From left to right, we have Austin Raymond Mary, the old JACOA building at Montgomery Hall, jazz musician and poet Gil Scott-Heron, who was one of the first to integrate Tigrett Middle School, Carl Perkins, Isaac Lane, Lane College, the sit-in chairs at the Woolworth Store, the Casey Jones train and Charlene Mercer,” said muralist Juan Barroso.
The mural will be installed across from Parkview Prep Academy in hopes of informing students about Jackson’s history.
“Chris Kelly came to us with the idea of having historical figures from East Jackson who aren’t in the history books, but who inspire our kids, stand in front of the school. We thought of that idea and a walk through Charlene Mercer Park, which is right around the corner from us, and the people who are remembered on that plaque,” Barroso said.
He was nervous when he met with the family who created the mural, but was happy to know he was able to honor a family tradition. Shrilynne Mercer’s daughter, Tina Mercer, shared how it feels to see her mother still being honored.
“My mom ran a nonprofit and she planted a lot of seeds, and the fact is that the seeds are still growing, the community is still thriving, and all the good work she did is still being recognized afterward. So it’s not in vain, it lives on through everyone in the community,” Mercer said.
Throughout his painting, he made some friends.
“While I was painting, kids on their bikes came by and I think the first thing they were impressed with was that you could make money from your art. They asked me how much I was making. They were happy. I think they were also happy to see people of color on the wall,” Barroso said.
The mural was made possible thanks to Love Your Block of Jackson and many other sponsors.
SEE ALSO: New mural brings East Jackson history to life
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