Painting the Seasons: Courtney Searcy’s Community Sidewalk Art Project in Jackson
Written + Photographed by Maddie McMurry
In 2019, Courtney Searcy made her mark on Jackson with her first mural, igniting her passion for public art. Fast forward to 2024, Courtney has brought new vibrancy to the city with her stunning sidewalk art project, located at the intersection of Lafayette and Shannon Street near the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market. This project, supported by Our Jackson Home and the City of Jackson, reflects the characteristics of Jackson through the changing seasons and the collective spirit of its community.
“It felt exciting to do this with the community, and it was meaningful to have another piece downtown,” Courtney said.
Her design embraced collaboration at every step, ensuring it was accessible for volunteers of all skill levels. This approach also shaped her strategy—creating a layered, step-by-step process that allowed everyone to contribute to the installation.
The concept for the sidewalk art drew inspiration from its location. “The idea of four seasons came to mind,” she explained. “I wanted the design to reflect the spaces that make Jackson so special throughout the year.”
The crossroads and the seasonal rhythms of the Farmers’ Market served as anchors for Courtney’s vision. Each element of the art—from a donut symbolizing local flavors to blue clouds dedicated to a fellow artist—was infused with personal connections and a nod to the community’s creativity. The farmers, makers, the people with small businesses– that’s the stuff that makes our community enjoyable.
Executing the sidewalk art was no small or easy effort. Painting bare concrete proved labor-intensive, with the surface absorbing more than three times the expected amount of paint. Still, the challenges didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the volunteers.
“It’s just paint,” Courtney said with a smile. “If something happens, you can always cover it up and fix it.” This perspective gave volunteers the freedom to dive in, knowing Courtney could touch up any imperfections. What stood out to Courtney was the joy of those involved.
“One of the coolest things was seeing how grateful people were to do something creative. Not everyone has that outlet in their life,” she noted. “It was also about connection—people spending time with neighbors they don’t always interact with. Seeing that bond grow through art was amazing. It was really cool to be a part of creating something with ownership by the community. It would've been very difficult to do by myself.”
Artists need opportunity to grow, and not a lot of artists think that staying in Jackson would provide them with opportunities as an artist. Courtney has been through seasons where she has felt stuck, but having these kinds of opportunities sharpens an artist’s craft.
“It is a healthy pressure, that this is something supported by The City, this non profit Our Jackson Home, there’s media,” Courtney said. “This is the good kind of pressure that gives artists and creatives the opportunity to hone in on their crafts and their skills.”
Projects like this are vital for artists to thrive in Jackson. Artists need multifaceted support — public funding, artists being paid well for their work, people physically volunteering to make these things happen, and encouraging artists who share their work.
Over the two weeks spent painting, Courtney observed how the space transformed. Pedestrians walking their daily routes paused to admire the bright new colors. Drivers slowed down to cheer on the artists. The interactive nature of the artwork—inviting people to walk, hop, or even lay on its elements—brought smiles and a sense of ownership to the community.
The new colors brighten people’s commutes and their days. It improves their daily life and their mood as they walk to work and see fresh art below their feet.
As Jackson gains momentum in supporting the arts, Courtney’s encouragement is for residents to stay actively engaged. Seek out what Our Jackson Home and the City of Jackson are doing to make Jackson a place for artists to thrive. Follow their accounts, volunteer, and support the people who make our community what it is. Without a community supporting this momentum, it could die quickly, but with active participation, there could be endless opportunities for artists to thrive and grow here in Jackson.
Courtney’s sidewalk art project is more than paint on concrete; it’s a celebration of seasons, creativity, and the power of community ownership. It’s a vibrant reminder that when we come together, we can make our city a more beautiful and connected place for all. And this is what makes it into a home.
If you would like to read more about Courtney and her design work, check our her business Fine Company.