Two new murals honoring
residents are brightening
up Jackson neighborhoods.
They were painted this
summer by Evan Struck,
a local 19-year-old artist
who’s getting national attention for his talents.
One of the murals is on
the side of a Clinton Road
building that’s home to
Jackson Michigan Giving
Back to the Community.
It shows Brenda Hughes,
the founder and CEO of the
non-profit that helps residents with basic needs like
food and clothes.
Hughes says the mural is
a reflection of her efforts to
give back to Jackson.
“I get choked up looking
at it. Never in my wildest
dreams did I think I would
be acknowledged in such a
powerful and beautiful way.
I hope it brings more positivity,” Hughes said.
The other mural painted
at VIRTUE Drums on W.
Michigan Avenue depicts
local drummer Geno Parker.
Struck says he painted the murals because he
wanted to highlight the contributions of Jackson residents, donating paint and
time to make them happen.
“I was also looking for
projects to do in neighborhoods. If we can place
murals and art outside of
the downtown area, it can
really increase the positivity and love for art here in
Jackson,” Struck said.
All Star Rental donated
the use of a lift so Struck
could paint high walls.
The artist chose to honor
Parker, a long-time Jackson drummer, on the side
of VIRTUE Drums, a custom drum and music store.
Parker says he’s been
getting recognized around
town as the man in the mural.
“The word ‘Listen’ in the
painting really stands out to
me. I hope the mural will inspire people to keep going,
and encourage musicians
to keep playing music,”
Parker said.
Struck is also the artist
behind two other murals in
Jackson, a mural honoring
jazz legend Benny Poole
on the side of the Nite Lite
Bar on W. Pearl Street, and
a tropical fish mural at the
Pet Station on E. Michigan
Avenue.
Murals and other public
art projects must first be approved by the City of Jackson to make sure they are
appropriate for the building.
“I thank the Jackson Public Arts Commission for approving these murals. Being able to do this kind of
art the right way is always
important,” Struck said.
To start the process of
painting a mural or installing an art piece, contact
the Parks and Recreation
Department using the email
recreation@cityofjackson.org.
Evan Struck and Brenda Hughes in front of the mural on Clinton Road.
Geno Parker mural at VIRTUE Drums on W. Michigan Avenue