A ribbon cutting on June 11 marked the official unveiling of a new mural at the Salvation Army in Martinsville, where a community garden is also planned.
Tekela Redd, director of the Salvation Army of Martinsville VA, Service Center, is now focused on preparing the garden. “I just want to see vegetables and herbs for our community to take in.”
The mural was started in April and painted by Tony Davis and members of Luna Moth Tattoo Studio in Collinsville on a remaining wall of a former building at 603 Memorial Blvd. South.
Tony Davis said there is still a bit of work left to do on the mural. “We are going to be adding a few more flowers and butterfly silhouettes.” Davis said the feedback has been “fantastic,” and that people would cheer them on while painting. Some citizens have even started taking photos with the butterfly wings at the center of the mural.
Lt. Antonio Hodges, a commanding officer of the Salvation Army, said the mural is “very unique to Martinsville.” He said the Martinsville branch had been placed under his leadership in the past year and a half. “We wanted to do something nice for the community. We wanted to be more involved, to start serving in different capacities.”
Martinsville Mayor LC Jones, Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson, and council member Rayshaun Gravely attended the event. Jones said he is looking forward to the community garden and intends to help. “I have a garden at home, and I have a bunch of different flowers, so I’m excited to see what it’s going to look like.”
Lawson, who previously served on the advisory board for the Martinsville chapter of the Salvation Army, said there has long been a vision to do something with the wall. “It’s so nice that Tekela has taken it and run with it, and done such an amazing job. Instead of it being an old rundown service station, it’s a beautiful mural.”
Gravely, who currently serves on the board, said he’s watched the mural grow. “It used to be a rundown little spot, and now look how beautiful it is.” He also helps with the warming center and wants to continue giving back. “I plan to be all hands on deck with the garden. We want some good vegetables and some good fruit.”
The garden site was cleared by inmates under the supervision of Steve Draper, along with some visitors who stayed at the warming center. “I think that it doesn’t matter your circumstance—you can still do things to help,” Gravely said.
