A massive mural is being unveiled of the civil rights icon Georgia Rep. John Lewis under the word “Hero” on a seven-story Atlanta building.
The work of Atlanta muralist Sean Schwab is set to be dedicated Friday, according to James Richardson of the political blog Georgia Tipsheet.
Atlanta’s NBC 11 reports that Schwab did the mural for free. The mural was painted on the Renaissance Lofts on Auburn Avenue.
Schwab told the local news outlet that he came up with the idea after meeting Lewis about a year ago. “This was a blank wall before,” he said. “So having my little skill set contribute to this, I think it’s great.”
Lewis is running for re-election to his 14th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Schwab says he’d like to do more murals of historical figures. “There are tons of walls, and I think it would be a relevant and vital project that could inspire people,” he said.
UPDATE: A spokesman for Lewis said the campaign did not finance the mural, as the local NBC affiliate originally reported.
“Congressman Lewis’ campaign didn’t pay for the project,” campaign spokesman Leslie Small told The Daily Caller. “It was paid for by Atlanta Restaurant Partners and Mack Wilburn, a local Atlanta businessman. We’ve already contacted WXIA and they’ve corrected this on their website.”