A beautiful new mural now welcomes girls and visitors to Girls Inc. of Central Alabama.

The mural, designed and painted by local artist Merrilee Challiss, is located along the driveway of Girls Inc.’s Crestwood Center and was officially revealed on June 26 at a private event attended by Girls Inc. supporters. Girls in the organization’s summer camp program had the honor of unveiling the 80’x7′ artwork for the crowd.

Challiss’ design was inspired by Girls Inc.’s mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Elements of Girls Inc.’s programming, which includes academic enrichment, healthy living, and life skills for girls, were incorporated into the mural.

The artist also included images of butterflies into the piece, which symbolizes the girls’ transition to adulthood. Some of the girls in the after-school program were even able to participate in creating the mural by adding their handprint “butterflies” onto painted flowers.

You can see view more photos of the mural – including before, during and after images – here. You can also see a time-lapse video of the mural in progress on Girls Inc.’s YouTube page.

To see more artwork by Merrilee Challiss, visit www.merrileechalliss.com.