By: Oniska Blevins

ArtsRevive is having a dedication in honor of the restored Coca-Cola mural located on 13 Lauderdale St. March 26. at 10 a.m.

Becky Youngblood, ArtsRevive executive director, said it was important to restore the mural because of its history in the community and its presence in the art district.

The mural is located at the site of the original Selma Coca- Cola Bottling Company building. The company occupied the building from 1903-1908.

ArtsRevive gained sponsorship from Coca-Cola to restore the mural and local artist Sheila Ferrell led a team of three for the restoration. Ferrell travels all over the southeast restoring and painting murals on buildings.

In a previous article by the Times-Journal  about the restoration of the mural, Youngblood sent copies of the publication to Coke.

As a result, they decided to visit Selma and view the mural in person.

She said Coke is proud of the mural and the representatives will provide refreshments and offer a brief history of the company.

“Our purpose is to enhance our community through the arts in various ways,” she said.

The mayor is scheduled to speak at the dedication and the program will be concluded with selections from the Selma High School Choir.

Youngblood said she is extremely excited to hear from the choir and she is glad they will be a part of the event.

ArtsRevive plans to collaborate with local artists and building owners on possible ideas for more murals in the community.