“Revolution of Joy” aims to revitalize small Alabama towns.
Named for its dark-hued soil, the region is known as theBlack Belt.
It is in that lush, fertile ground that the Black Belts prosperity and its problems would take root.
Credit:Courtesy of Helene Taylor
But its fortunes were not to last.
Facing steep economic losses, the Black Belt became mired in steady decline.
But Taylor simply refers to his subjects as unsung heroes."
Courtesy of Helene Taylor
There is Afriye Wekandodis, depicted in Taylors Selma mural, Coming Together.
Here, she educates visitors about local and regional history.
Known as the towns cultural keeper, she is the inspiration for the mural Clown Quilt" in Camden.
Courtesy of Helene Taylor
I felt a calling to do something with community and art.
The Black Belt was a natural choice because I love its rich cultural history.
Its a magical place, for me, because of its ties to folk art and story tellers.
Courtesy of Helene Taylor
It was a match made in art heaven.
Ask his wife and business manager Helene why they are doing it, and her answer is more sentimental.
What happens at the walls is magical, she said.
Courtesy of Helene Taylor
Theres an extraordinary bond that is created when people come together to paint, a sense of shared purpose.
They take great pride in their work, whether they painted a large section or a tiny corner.
And truly, his words could be speaking for all who show up at the mural walls.
