Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2022

#DOITDOWNTOWN
story and photos courtesy of
Gulfport Main Street Association
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN ON MAIN STREET
Artwork designed and painted by Ashley Church. In the alley next to Tony’s Brick Oven Pizza on 14th Street. Photo credit Doug Castenado
Gulfport Main Street Association has been planning for a busy year ahead! We have been working with our community leaders and our volunteer board members to regenerate activities in the Gulfport Main Street District. This past year we have expanded our boundaries, created an Innovation District, launched our Façade Grant program, sponsored more murals and partnered with the City of Gulfport to create a brand-new festival for the Gulf Coast, The Gumbo Fest.
We welcomed the Historic Quarters into our community district that extends from 17th Street to 22nd Street and 29th Avenue to 35th Avenue. We are eager to be part of the rejuvenation to this area and by offering Façade Grants to this district to help small businesses grow. The great community spirit of the Historic Quarters has made this area into the viable community it is today, and we are excited to see what the future brings!
Public Art Programs and the creation of pocket spaces for people to
work and gather that encourages creativity, collaboration and productivity. Art programs have a huge impact on society and influences our cultural development. In other words, art is good for the soul. Whether you like, love or hate it, art has made it’s mark and is here to stay. Art has the power to move you, guide your inspirations and thoughts.
Artwork designed and painted by Tricia McAlvain. Located on the Chandeleur Brewing wall at 14th St. and 28th Ave. Photo credit Doug Castenado
Artwork designed
and painted by Jerika Broussard and Dara Parker. Located on Magnolia Diner’s wall at 15th St. and Railroad Photo credit Doug Castenado
80 | August 2022
Be sure to visit our new murals enhancing our downtown area. We have enjoyed working with our artists and we are still working with business partners to bring even more around our entire district.
Like
Gulfport Main Street
on Facebook to keep up with what we’re doing! Laurie Toups 228.868.3414 ltoups@gulfport-ms.gov