Story by Marla Ballard

 An interactive mural of local scenery has been painted on the side of the building housing the DeKalb Tourism Office located on Gault Ave in Fort Payne. “We felt the mural would draw attention and make it obvious that this building is the tourism office,” said John Dersham President/CEO of DeKalb Tourism. “Kayla Worthey is in charge of the mural project and is doing a great job.” 

“We will also have an additional mural painted on the building in the near future,” said Worthey. “We have been discussing the idea of a painting on the outside of the building for some time, getting this project accomplished has been a group effort.”  Worthey said the process for getting the project underway took time due to the need to acquire a permit and approval from the city.  It also took time to locate an artist who could devote time to a project of this scale. 

Artist Bethany Kerr was commissioned to paint the mural, she has created murals on buildings in various towns throughout Alabama. “I have painted murals in Albertville, Gadsden, Cullman, and Guntersville,” said Kerr. “This was my first mural in DeKalb County.” Kerr’s artwork can also be seen at the Mentone Arts Center. 

“The inspiration to be a muralist came from Eric Grohe and John Pew’s works,” said Kerr. “It is wonderful to be a part of something that will be enjoyed by many people over many years.” 

Kerr said the instructions and specifications for the mural were very clear. “They wanted specific indigenous animals and plants that represented the area,” said Kerr. “They also wanted it to be a photo opportunity where people could plant themselves into the scenery.” 

The flora and fauna Kerr incorporated into the 21-foot x 12-foot wall painting included: green pitcherplant, slender goldenrod, long stem sunflowers, and oakleaf hydrangea. The fauna showcased the luna moth, dear, black bear, spicebush swallowtail butterfly, pileated woodpecker, green salamander, and the chuck-will’s-widow bird. Visitors can immerse themselves into the artwork by identifying the various species of native life, as well as seemingly standing on the boardwalk. 

The connection between the choices of animals and plants to Alabama, in the painting, draw attention to the importance of these species to the area. The mural speaks to those interested in the conservation of nature. Green salamanders are protected in Alabama and sarracenia oreophila (green pitcherplant) is listed as endangered on the United States Endangered Species Act. The population of the Chuck Wills Widows is declining and are on the Near Threated  list with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list.  

Across the top of the mural are the words “Visit Lookout Mountain Alabama, Wish You Were Here!” Dersham said DeKalb Tourism operates under Visit Lookout Mountain Alabama and uses visitlookoutmountain.com as their website. 

Kerr’s artistic process and thoughts for the mural may be viewed on YouTube at DeKalb tourism in Fort Payne, finished mural by Bethany Kerr. The DeKalb County Tourism office is located at 2114 Gault Ave N, Fort Payne.