Here is another example of street art just off of Broad Street in downtown Richmond. The story behind this painting was a little harder to track down but using the name inscribed below the portrait in the center, and thanks to the archives of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, I was able to learn a little bit about the late Mrs. Christine Banks. Here is the text from her obituary which appeared just about one year ago:
BANKS, Christine Wilkins. It is with deepest regret to announce the death of Mrs. Christine Wilkins Banks on July 19, 2010 at Hanover Health Care Center, after a long fight with cancer. She was born in North Carolina on October 8, 1929. She graduated from Armstrong High School in June of 1947. She leaves behind a daughter and son, Mrs. Marie G. Banks-Walker and her husband, Otis, and Irvin K. Banks III and his wife, Candice. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is survived by a dedicated nephew, James Gregory, who was there for her until the very end. She also has one living sibling, Jerylyn W. Reid. She was a masterful business woman and the proprietor of J.P. Crowder's Delicatessen, which was well known for its Smithfield hams, fried chicken and, of course, unique barbecue. She served the city with her delicious food and warm smile for years. Although she will be missed by her family and friends, we find peace in knowing that she is now at rest with the Lord. The family will receive friends 12 noon to 2 p.m. Friday at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., where her funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Interment Maury Cemetery. Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
For an interview with Mrs. Banks, follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/43em97q
It almost looks like this one was going to continue on to the next wall. She sounds like a woman who was worthy of a mural- very giving and loved life and people. It's a nice composition- I think I might have moved the crate out of the way for the picture so that you could see the whole flower, but this is how you found it so that makes sense to keep it there. This must have been a fun series to do- so much to learn about the murals and the people they pay tribute to. Great shot!
@olivetreeann You are right about the crate but I must admit I was a little uneasy about lingering in this area. And it is possible there was more to the mural originally. One of the adjacent buildings was sold and they had to remove the wall.
Very cool find and also wonderful that you could track down the meaning to go with it. I say it was a good decision on your part to take the photo and then get the heck out of there...don't know where you were but from the looks of the photo, maybe not the safest part of town.
