Excitement is building in the Memphis community as the UrbanArt Commission (UAC), in partnership with HUG Parks Friends and Memphis City Parks, prepares for the dedication of a new mural at Gooch Park Community Pool.
The event is set to take place on July 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Gooch Park Pool, located at 1974 Hunter Ave, Memphis, TN 38108. After renovation delays, the pool opened earlier this week on July 10.
The mural was created by Memphis native Jamond Bullock. Bullock was born and raised in North Memphis where he frequented Gooch Park and Pool with his family as a kid. After graduating from LeMoyne Owen College, Bullock founded his visual arts company, Alivepaint, where he began to express his creativity freely. Bullock then went on to create several murals displayed across the nation.
Bullock, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking murals, completed a series of artworks titled “Slice” surrounding the pool at Gooch Park. The positive response from the community was overwhelming, leading to Bullock being commissioned to extend his creative touch to the pool house. The new mural, “Slice 2.0: We All Stars,” is a stunning addition to the park, celebrating community spirit and unity.
“Gooch Park just got a facelift,” said Bullock.
Bullock shared his thoughts on the project through a heartfelt message on his Instagram page
“It’s rare to be given an opportunity to come back to a community and paint, but when the community calls you back to do more work, you pick up the phone and answer. I thank God every day for my gifts, and this was a chance to help bring inspiration and healing to a community I am connected to,” said Bullock.
“Life can be like a game of chess, but you have to look beyond your surroundings to continue to elevate. We often forget that it’s more than one spotlight; we can all shine together. We All Stars. This is the first building we have wrapped front and back, so if you get a chance, it’s a sight to see.”
Bullock serves as a positive role model in his community, giving young kids someone to look up to.
“They tell me all the time ‘He’s one of us’,” said JoAnn Street, founder of HUG Parks Friends.
The dedication event promises to be a memorable occasion, with a series of activities planned to engage and celebrate the artist including a mural unveiling and ribbon cutting, remarks from Jamond Bullock, community celebration, and so much more.
The dedication will take place during the Art in the Park event at Gooch Park, providing the community with a unique opportunity to see the new mural up close and meet the artist.
The mural dedication is more than just an art event; it is a celebration of community resilience, creativity, and the shared vision of a brighter future.
To ensure your spot at this event, please register on EventBrite: Gooch Park Pool House Dedication.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the unveiling of “Slice 2.0: We All Stars” and be part of a community celebration that promises to inspire and uplift.
