Montevallo just got a fresh burst of color with two new murals brightening Main Street. The artist behind both is the wildly talented Emma Gilbert, who’s adding her signature spark to the magical small town. Whether you’re drawn to glowing fireflies or vintage phone-booth nostalgia, these murals will make you stop, smile and snap a pic. Read on to see how these walls came to life, plus photos.
Meet Emma Gilbert, painting her way across the country
Emma was born and raised in Alabaster and has been painting for as long as she can remember. By age 12, she was selling her artwork and, throughout high school, turned her passion into a full-time gig.
As her 2020 high school graduation drew near, she realized college wasn’t in the cards and instead dove head-first into van life—think tiny home on wheels.
“It sounded like a cheaper and more exciting ‘educational experience’, so that’s exactly what I set out to do: travel the country in a self-converted shuttle bus, while selling artwork along the way.”
Emma Gilbert, artist
In 2021, Emma and her partner began building the bus from the ground up. But with just 182 square feet of living space, squeezing in the type of studio work she was used to wasn’t realistic. The solution: murals.
“They [murals] offered a way for me to keep creating art, connect with communities and see new places—all without requiring much storage space.”
Emma Gilbert, artist
After finishing their tiny home, Emma and her partner hit the road in 2021. Fast-forward to today, and Emma’s work can be found across the country. She completed her first mural in Georgia, followed by a second in Salt Lake City, Utah. From there, her mural work snowballed into a full-time business, with new projects popping up—including in Montevallo and Birmingham.
“Follow the Light”—a mystical tribute to Montevallo’s roots
At 603 Main Street in Montevallo, you’ll find “Follow the Light,” a dreamy mural inspired by Ebenezer Swamp and elements of the University of Montevallo.
The mural’s central figure—and friend of Emma’s—cradles a glowing firefly, symbolizing Montevallo’s iconic lantern and guiding motto.
The mural feels like stepping into a living dream with moody blues and magical stillness. And if you look closely, you’ll see symbolic birds (including an ibis, falcon and blue jay), butterflies, lily pads and tattoos (one inspired by Emma’s client).
The “Phone Booth Wall”—a playful nod to Montevallo’s 1930s past
The “Phone Booth Wall” mural by Emma Gilbert in Montevallo. (Emma Gilbert)
Just down the street at 665 Main Street, you’ll find Emma’s second mural. It’s still awaiting its official name, but is affectionately dubbed the “Phone BoothWwall.”
The nostalgic piece celebrates Montevallo’s 1930s history, when locals would literally line up to use a public phone booth.
Emma told us that soon the mural will feel even more authentic with a real phone placed into the phone booth.
Both murals were commissioned by Montevallo Main Street and funded through a grant from Main Street Alabama.
See Emma Gilbert’s murals in Montevallo
Want to see Emma’s incredible murals up close? Here are a few ways:
- Attend the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon cutting on Saturday, December 13 at 10AM.
- Learn more + visit another local muralcreated by Emma this year on the South-facing side of the Iron Age Building at 212 20th Street North in Birmingham.
- Stay up to date on Emma’s art—follow @emmagilbertart on Instagram and TikTok.
Are there more murals around the Greater Birmingham Area we haven’t covered yet? Let us know on social @bhamnow.
