New mural unveiled at Jones Valley Teaching Farm

An exciting new mural was unveiled at Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF) in downtown Birmingham this past weekend. 

The mural, which is proudly displayed on the side of a building at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, brings together vivid colors and dynamic shapes to tell the story of the organization and farming’s deep roots in the Magic City.

The vision brought to life

Created by muralist Roscoe Hall, the striking piece of public art was commissioned to honor the community and the mission of Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF). 

The painting is heavily influenced by the quilted works of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, incorporating food, community, education, Alabama’s cultural and food history, as well as Hall’s personal feelings of peace and safety towards the downtown farm space.

“We are so excited to have such a beautiful work of art telling the story of the work we do and the place we hold in the community.”

Birmingham City Council approves JVTF funding 

More good news for JVTF. 

This week the Birmingham City Council approved an appropriation of $250,000 to the group to expand its Good School Food program. 

The funding will expand the program into the west side of Birmingham supporting:

• Development of hydroponic and aquaponic labs
• Expansion into 8 schools on the West side of town, including Jackson Olin High School
• Reach 3,700 additional students throughout Birmingham City Schools 
• Double the number of paid high school interns from 10 to 20

In partnership with New York SunWorks and FoodCorps, this move gets JVTF closer to its goal of serving all 20,000 students in Birmingham City Schools.

Have you gone to see the mural? Let us know @Bhamnow.