"I’ve always felt that we all are deserving of great love. It might not look how you or someone else imagined or it might take a long time to find. Sometimes, it might not be the first time. But I really do believe there’s a fairytale for everyone. My work is about telling those stories."
"My inspiration comes from listening to music, being a part of a support group, and volunteering. I try to be present in the moment, to focus on my craft, and allow inspiration came and go."
"This is one of the most creative places in the country; we've got a lot of serious practitioners in the performing arts, literary arts, visual arts, culinary arts—people that have gotten national and even international attention from right here in Birmingham... And that's something our curators and educators have really been focusing on—underscoring the talent within our own community and bringing artists onto our walls and our pedestals and our stages who are from this city."
"In life, we can only go forward, and sometimes it passes us by so quickly. When I’m behind the lens, I’m forced to pay attention to the present. I get to press pause on what I see and what I feel and create something that maybe lasts forever."
Erica Chisolm is a fine artist and muralist who has a vision of bringing art, beauty, and inspiration to pedestrians in Black communities -- highlighting surrounding businesses, encouraging walkability, and adding value to the neighborhoods Erica describes as "culture-rich and art poor." With a mission to help others realize their opportunity to dream, the Urban Impact fellow and National Black Arts Festival award recipient is painting her way through Birmingham's historic Fourth Avenue Business District.…