“When I’m on stage, I’m trying to do one thing: bring people joy. Just like church does. People don’t go to church to find trouble, they go there to lose it.”
James Brown
If
you have been in downtown Augusta, Georgia lately, you will notice
there is a brand new mural facing James Brown Boulevard to check out
on the side of building 879 Broad Street. This beautiful mural
depicts the life and career of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
The
mural became a reality when the Greater Augusta Arts Council offered
a James Brown mural competition back in March. The winning artist,
Cole Phail, an experienced mural artist from Appling, Georgia won the
award of $32,000 to do the work. Cole Phail is not just a talented
mural artist but also does production, transforms old family photos,
and does graphic design.
Cole
Phail won the contest by receiving 35% of the vote and began his work
on June 8th. He was thrilled to be able to do this mural
as he always respected James Brown and how he changed the music
industry and was proud to be from the same town. He was helped by
Evette and Aundrese Hunter with Color World House painting who
prepped the wall for him. He worked 12 – 14 hours a day from
sundown to sunrise for over three months.
The
mural was funded by a grant from the Augusta Convention and Visitors
Bureau with a 25% match from the city. Augusta Commission would
also provide up to $20,000 in matching funds. Sherwin Williams
donated 90 gallons of paint. Seventy gallons of primer was used
before he could even start the mural.
The
colorful mural shows The Godfather of Soul in different stages in his
career. Cole Phail used different styles when painting from
realism, graphic design, and impressionistic. The theme of the
mural is “I Feel Good.” and the name of this mural is titled
“The Spirit of Funk.”
The
mural was unveiled on October 27, 2020. It is a must see when
downtown.
Till next time. Bye for now.
“I just thank God for all of the blessings.” James Brown
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