Colorful murals cover downtown Daphne

DAPHNE, Ala. - Downtown Daphne is getting a face lift. City leaders approved murals for some walls in the downtown area, and things are turning out pretty colorful.

America Gallaspy is the artist, and the city is her subject.

"It's a reference to the historical Italian families that settled in the Daphne area, and their involvement in agriculture," said Gallaspy.

Gallaspy is one of the local artists who volunteered to paint murals on the walls.

There are still a few touch ups left on her mural.

"Another third at least. I have to detail everything and then finish the names around the border. The names of the family will be painted on there."

Artist Faye Earnest finished her wall a few weeks ago.

"I started the first of September, and finished around the first of October. About four weeks," said Earnest.

"We wanted to do a wetlands scene with foliage. And these are snowy whites, and we love the trees in Daphne, so we did the trees with Spanish moss."

Something like this usually costs about $5,000. But this long-time artist says she is doing this at no charge, to give back to the community.

"You also need to feel good and that's what they are about. I think it's kind of an uplifting experience," said Earnest.

In all, six murals will be painted.

City leaders say this is an effort to get more businesses to the downtown area.