It's about time Phoenix sees some serious mural love. In the interest of giving credit to their artists and because we're losing track of the times we've said, "Whoa, when did that go up?", we bring you Mural City, a series on the murals springing up around town -- their artists, their hosts and their inspirations.
Artist: Amanda Adkins
Location: Black Theater Troupe Center for Performing Arts
Thanks to some friendly bartering with the Black Theatre Troupe Center for the Performing Arts' next-door neighbors, Washington Street just got a little bit brighter. A wall facing the building's parking lot and main entrance, which technically belongs to the building next door, now features a mural from local artist, Amanda Adkins.
See also: - Five Must-See Arts and Culture Events This Week in Metro Phoenix - Black Theatre Troupe Moves to New Building on Washington Row
Black Theatre Troupe Executive Director David Hemphill said he was drawn to Adkins' since her works tend to feature portraits, particularly of women. He provided her with piles and CDs of past production shots to inspire the new mural.
Adkins sifted through photos from decades of Black Theatre Troupe performances, choosing the shots with the most vibrant color and emotions.
"I wanted to choose ones that would have the most impact," she says. "The story behind this [mural] was very inspiring...hearing the Black Theatre Troupe story was really inspiring."
On the sides of the mural she created a stained glass effect, using geometric shapes and arches.
While painting the mural Adkins was able to meet some of the actors featured in the work, an experience she says made a lot of impact since some had also known Helen Mason, the founder of the troupe.
Adkins worked with Jessica Kerlin on the mural. You can see some of Adkins' other work at Westwind Studios, next to The Hive, where she painted a mural of a girl trying to catch a hummingbird. She also helped complete the community mural at 335 West McDowell Road.
