The Alabama Forestry Commission has proudly announced that its mural in downtown Montgomery, created by an Alabamian from Alexander City, has officially been added to the Alabama Mural Trail. The new mural was unveiled Thursday at a dedication ceremony and open house as part of the AFC’s Centennial Celebration.
Alabama Forestry Commission’s new mural is 🔥
The agency is celebrating 100 years today. pic.twitter.com/yyumpFmwcy
— Maddie Biertempfel (@mbiertempfel) January 18, 2024
“Today we dedicate this mural to the men and women of the Alabama Forestry Commission – past, present, and future – who for the last 100 years have taken seriously the commitment to protect Alabama’s forests and citizens,” said State Forester Rick Oates during the event.
In his remarks, Oates also praised the abilities of Charles Forbus, the artist who created the acclaimed mural.
“Charles’s art is exciting and inviting…it makes you want to learn more about the subject which is exactly what we wanted to create here in our mural,” Oates said. “This wall vividly illustrates our agency’s mission to protect Alabama’s forests, help landowners sustain their forests through proper forest management, and educate people about the importance of our state’s forests. It’s also an opportunity to help add to the beauty of downtown Montgomery.”
Oates said that there are plans in the works to create a green space in the area adjacent to the mural in the near future.
The AFC mural is located at 513 Madison Avenue.
The Alabama Mural Trail says that its goal is to provide the state with a sense of community, drive economic impact, and also to help bring people together.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
