New Mural Sparks Interest at AutoZone Park

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - "I think it adds a tremendous amount of vibrancy to this area, I think its wonderful," says Memphian, Kamilah Turner.

It's only a fourth of the way complete, but already sparking reactions from Memphians who pass by the new mural - people say it makes you stop and go 'hmmm.'

"And then I saw the slice of cake and I was trying to figure it out, I said ok, how are they working this all in together," says Turner.

Exactly the reaction Chicago based artist Jeff Zimmermann was hoping to get. The project came about from the owner of the building, he teamed up with Rhodes University art outreach program, CODA, who hired Zimmermann after discussion amongst them and a panel of Memphians, it's themes are a note of hope and turning the page.

"The end of what I try to do with my artwork is spark dialogue so I definitely would love people to come and be puzzled and look to the stranger next to them and say i think this is that, " says Zimmermann.

And dialogue is sparking, from the skull and crossbones to the real local people featured on the mural; Rhodes students working on the project say they wanted the mural to force Memphians to discuss local issues.

"It's not a rural about black and white people, it's not a mural about socioeconomics, it's a mural about Memphis and the people who live in Memphis," says student, Luke Branim.

Meghan Wilcox, a student working on the project and the model for the hands reaching out on the mural, hopes the mural will inspire others.

"Giving people the courage to do something to change Memphis, no matter what position you hold in the city, no matter how old you are, you can make a difference," says Wilcox.

The project is being completed in four phases, and Zimmerman says pending the weather he hopes to have it complete by mid-April for the city to enjoy. The project is being funded by the building's owner Chicks Hill, who's a trustee with Rhodes College.