City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL.) Mural artist Jeff Hallman and the City of Talladega invite children and art lovers to help paint a mural on Tuesday, October 24, in Duncan - Pinkston Park, which is located behind the B.N. Mabra Center at 620 Coosa Street West, in Talladega, Alabama.  Painting sessions will be held from 10 a.m. - noon and from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Jeff, a Talladega native, has painted murals throughout the city; in neighboring communities; in Seattle, Washington; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin, Germany; and the Canary Islands.  His local works include a whimsical interactive mural on the wall of Alabama Consumer Law Group/Campbell & Campbell office; a dramatic Talladega, Alabama, floral welcome sign on the Lmo & Co. building; a joyful Duncan - Pinkston Park children’s mural; and a massive mural-in-progress in a downtown alleyway.  He also recently completed a mural for Blush and Bashful Boutique, a mural for an interior room in the Talladega County Child Advocacy Center-Palmer Place and a swimming pool mural in Saks, Alabama.

“We are so pleased that Jeff desires to show his love for Talladega by inviting residents to come out and help paint a wall in the park,” said City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr. “The excitement about the new murals going up in Talladega has been palpable. Murals add interest to empty walls, attract tourists and shoppers, and create a more vibrant community. Having residents involved in the project will make it even more special.”

Jeff stated, “Most children love to draw on paper. This project will inspire them to see and do things on a bigger scale. It is also a beautiful opportunity to inspire people to come outside and enjoy art in the park.  It will build unity, and everyone who participates will be able to say, ‘I painted a mural.’ You never know how you are nurturing and inspiring people and how the seeds you plant might transform lives.”

Although Jeff currently resides in Berlin, Germany, his Talladega roots run deep.  His parents, Jerry Hallman and the late Brenda Clardy Hallman, were both Talladegans.  His grandfather started King Tires, which is now run by his father and his uncle.

Jeff attended R.I. Young Elementary School and Talladega High School.  His mother, who passed away during the pandemic, was a beloved artist who taught classes at R.I. Young and designed the school t-shirts for many years.

“My mother would have loved the mural in Duncan - Pinkston Park.  She loved children’s art; it was her life,” he said. "As much as I have loved painting murals in Europe and other locations, there is nothing more special than coming home to create art in Talladega."

"We encourage residents and tourists to take social media photos in front of Talladega's vibrant new murals," said Public Information Officer Mary Sood. "Every photo that is posted helps promote Talladega as a fun place to visit, so whip out your cameras and help show off our city.”

Photo: Talladega City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr. is pictured with mural artist Jeff Hallman, a Talladega native who has painted murals in Amsterdam, Berlin, the Canary Islands and other locations.