BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
There is some excitement bubbling up around Millbrook.
Rumors, speculation, non-disclosure agreements and big smiles indicate something big is afoot, indeed.
The first public hints came last month at a Millbrook City Council meeting relating to “Project M.” Mayor Al Kelley in the meeting said only a handful of officials were in the know at that time, but that it would be a very positive thing for the city’s efforts in revitalizing downtown.
“Project M” involves at least one mural that is currently being painted on the south side of the WELCOME Food Pantry along Main Street. The talented artist is Kevin King, from Montgomery. Mayor Al Kelley has said he is encouraging other businesses to get involved that have exterior walls perfect for murals. It could become a thing it seems. See more about Kevin King and King’s Canvas further down in this article.
This week crewmembers with RTR Productions/Media are in town speaking with local officials and businesses. We are able to confirm that this is a possible project associated with HGTV.
On Tuesday around noon, lots of people and camera equipment were at Kingdom Dough on Main Street. The business announced on their Facebook page that due to renovations, they will be closed today, but reopen tomorrow.
RTR Media was part of HGTV’s popular series that focused on Wetumpka and Laurel, Miss. For more information about RTR Productions visit their website for other projects at https://www.rtrmedia.com/productions/
Growth in the past few years has been very evident. More is coming, without a doubt. Even communities outside of Wetumpka have seen an uptick in new visitors in the area thanks to the HGTV shows.
So, this is a good thing. While complete details are still not officially available for print, it could be a HUGE thing.
Millbrook has a long-term plan for its downtown, but it is a bit different. There really isn’t much of a proper downtown currently, but officials say that will change over the next few years.
HGTV has a huge following around the world. And that following likes to travel and check out locations themselves. Even a “mention” of Millbrook, Alabama could bring in tourism dollars for years to come.
But for now, with non-disclosure agreements in the mix, city officials aren’t talking, other than to say, “Really great things are happening.”
Whatever comes of this could be a great thing. So, if you see some unfamiliar faces in town in the coming weeks, give them a friendly wave and let them go about their business. We can’t wait to see what could come of it. And, when allowed, there could be some great, positive stories and those are the ones we love to share with you.
More about King’s Canvas – from the website kingscanvas.org:
“The King’s Canvas is a non-profit studio/gallery in west Montgomery, Alabama. The King’s Canvas was founded by Kevin King and has its focus providing a creative space and resources for underexposed and underdeveloped artists in the Montgomery, Alabama community.
While downtown Montgomery Alabama is exploding with art activity and an abundance of resources, evidence has shown that several artists, (particularly in West Montgomery and other areas on the margin of the city) lack formal networks, access to tools, and affordable spaces to freely create or display their work. Furthermore, many of these artists have not received the formal entrepreneurial training, life skill development training, affordable studio rentals, and exhibition space needed for their talents to thrive.
The King’s Canvas provides artists on the West Side and other areas on the margins of the city with comparable resources so they too can thrive from their talents. Creative Placemaking strategies are positioning The King’s Canvas to cultivate economic development in West Montgomery, which will have positive outcomes in the health and public safety of the community.
Providing access and opportunities to underdeveloped artists is our goal. We believe if we create an environment where equitable practices are implemented, it will be mutually beneficial to our city as well as the artist. The King’s Canvas is a first step in preparation of connecting under resourced artists with more opportunities in the broader art community in Montgomery. These opportunities combat poverty, lack of education, lack of resources and mental health. Connectivity in our city, state, nation and the world is what is needed to propel their work or their brand.”
