MADISON — To celebrate Madison’s natural beauty through art, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting Monday of a mural while also announcing a community partnership.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this meaningful piece of art into our space,” said Chamber President Michelle Epling. “’Magic of Madison’ is more than a mural, it’s a celebration of our community’s landscape, identity and shared history. Partnering with Arts Huntsville and the Land Trust of North Alabama has allowed us to honor the creativity, conservation and collaboration that make Madison such a special place.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this artwork and launch a community initiative inspired by the mountain that shaped so many local stories.”
The “Magic of Madison,” a mural by Ann Moeller of Madison, is inside the Madison Chamber office at 230 Hughes Road.
However, the ribbon-cutting will take place at the entrance to Rainbow Mountain off Stoneway Trail, a location central to the mural’s inspiration and deeply rooted in the artist’s childhood and Madison’s natural story.
“Ann Moeller’s ‘Magic of Madison’ mural at the Madison Chamber of Commerce captures the beauty, peace and inspiration of Balance Rock on Rainbow Mountain,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, executive director of Arts Huntsville. “We are so fortunate to have this green space literally in our backyards in Madison.
“We are grateful to the Madison Chamber of Commerce for highlighting and partnering with organizations like Arts Huntsville and the Land Trust of North Alabama as we all work together to serve Madison and the greater North Alabama community.”
Inspired by the twilight overlook from Rainbow Mountain, the mural features Balancing Rock, fireflies and the constellation Orion rising above the city. It’s a reflection of Madison’s roots in nature, its ongoing growth and the stories that connect generations.
“We are excited for this partnership and the opportunity to highlight Rainbow Mountain and the outdoor recreation opportunities available in Madison,” said Marie Bostick, executive director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “The Land Trust has worked for decades to protect special places like Rainbow Mountain so that residents can experience the benefits of nature close to home.
“Collaborations like this help us inspire even more people to get outside, explore and connect with the landscapes that make our community unique.”
As part of the partnership, the Land Trust of North Alabama is launching a community engagement initiative encouraging residents to reconnect with Rainbow Mountain. Visitors are invited to hike to Balancing Rock, snap a selfie and bring it to the Madison Chamber office to receive a free one-year Land Trust membership and a hiking water bottle.
The public is invited to the ribbon-cutting, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday.
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