At the Salvation Army stores in south Augusta and Thomson, a written narrative on the walls tells the organization’s story But for the new location at 4099 River Watch Parkway, Evans, artists A.C. Daniel and Casey Rowland are collaborating on a new mural depicting the charity’s life-changing work.
Daniel and Rowland each had ideas which they blended into the piece they’ve dubbed “Heaven on Earth.”
“I wanted people to see where their money was going,” said Rowland.
She envisioned a timeline of sorts showing people spending their money at the store, and that money going to the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, where the organization provides services to the area’s homeless.
Daniel likes to incorporate spiritual messages in his murals and wants his work to be empowering and uplifting. He had submitted a proposal for another mural a while back that wasn’t selected so he drew on that concept which was based on the quote “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar of a church door, you cannot find Him in the chalice.”
People in the mural then became everyday angels who do the divine work of helping others transform their lives.
Daniel and Rowland didn’t know each other well before the process began. They’d only been briefly introduced, but they’ve enjoyed the collaboration so far. Their artistic energies came together within 30 minutes of discussing the project, they said.
Daniel has worked on several murals for local businesses and at the Center for African American History, Art and Culture in Aiken. He recently collaborated on one with Tyler Richardson at Augusta’s Fifth Street bridge, also known as the Freedom Pedestrian Bridge. This is only the second mural Rowland has been involved with, and she was eager for the chance to work with someone who she could learn more from.
Janelys Villalta, Marketing and PR Manager for The Salvation Army, said the store which has about 6,300 square feet of retail space is currently taking donations.
The store will offer clothing as well as household items.
“We try to keep prices super affordable so that families can shop here,” she said. “All of the proceeds spent here, stay local to help fund the operation.”
The new store should open in early June, Villalta said, but an exact date hasn’t been set yet.
Daniel and Rowland said their mural should be completed by Memorial Day weekend.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
