project overview

Star Kids | South Main Arts District

“The mural represents the accomplishments of children in the community, as well as the hope that children have limitless futures.”

Louisiana-based artist Vitus Shell created this mural, located in the South Main Arts District, as part of the Public/Art/ists exhibition series for UAC in partnership with ArtsMemphis and Crosstown Arts. The series included three exhibitions of studio work from artists who had been involved in public art projects throughout Memphis and temporary installations in public spaces over the course of 2015. The mural depicts four children surrounded by red star bursts, with white stars are scattered around them along the building's wall. The mural represents the accomplishments of children in the community, as well as the hope that children have limitless futures.  

about the artist

Vitus Shell 

Monroe, LA native Vitus Shell’s paintings encompass a depth and intensity usually displayed in the work of artists far past his age. While a student at MCA, Shell traveled and learned more about different cultures and art forms. He attended the National Black Fine Arts Show in 1999 for the first time and received a first hand view of the inner workings of the art world. Other artists he met while at MCA who have continuously inspired him include Brenda Joysmith, George Hunt, and Alonzo Davis. 

To date, he has accumulated an impressive list of achievements, some of which include: participating in exhibits at universities, museums, and private galleries across the country; painting a mural for the National Civil Rights Museum's NBA Pioneers exhibit; and being commissioned to do public art by the Memphis UrbanArt Commission. Opportunities for Shell continue to arise for him and he leaves himself open to all they have to offer.