The Sidewalk Circus … a new/old mural

April 23, 2026

In October 2017 I painted a 2 section mural for the City of Atlanta. It was part of the Elevate Public Art Festival in Atlanta. The mural is located on Trinity Ave. between Peachtree and Broad Street. Recently I was asked again to “refresh” the mural. I took on the job as I wanted my artwork to stay alive on the street. I found that repainting a mural is sometimes more difficult to me than making it new. I had never repainted a mural or restored a painting of this size. I had to go over every inch of the painted wall and it made me do a lot of thinking. I thought about why I painted it like I did the first time. I thought about how strong the Sun is. I thought about how things naturally decay and fall apart. I thought about the effort it takes to create and recreate.

I also thought about the people I met…

I had a lady tell me she was hungry so I gave her a boiled egg. She cracked it and ate in right by the mural. I gave a man some water. I had a whole jug full. One man walked up to me and asked if I had a hammer. I did not have a hammer. I had one man tell me he was in the Marines and say many things about men and women and adam’s apples and how unhappy he was with horned creatures. Many folks gave me nice encouraging words as I progressed with the wall. That made me feel good.

After I restored the mural, the boss for the city asked me would I want to paint the section in the middle of the 2 restored murals. I said, “Oh Yes.”

I created a concept that would blend in with the existing and newly restored art work. I drew out a colorful horse and cart. I included many happy faces animals. I decided the whole thing felt like a circus so I decided to name it The Sidewalk Circus — 100 feet on smiling faces and fun colors under a bright blue sky.

Let me tell you about the man that wanted to borrow my bucket. He approached me sweaty and out of breathe. He asked me if he could borrow a bucket. I said, “Well I need these 2 but I have one that has a leak in it.” He said, “OK” and took it. I need to mention that when he walked up he was holding a large paper bag and 2 balloons. He left me the bag and balloons and said he would return. He did not return. I was left painting on the sidewalk with 2 balloons and a bag in which there was a Edible Arrangement fruit and candy bouquet. I never saw the man again or my leaky bucket. I texted the number on the receipt stapled to the bag and said I had their balloons but never heard from them either. After I packed up from my days painting work, I left he balloons and bag next to my painted mural. It was gone the next day. I hope someone enjoyed it. Now if I could only find my bucket.

Here are some photos from the project.

See you soon,
Kyle BlackCatTips Brooks