Scattered throughout downtown Auburn are several striking murals painted on the sides of businesses and buildings. A scenic walk down College Street and Magnolia Avenue reveals many of these colorful works of art.
Easy Tiger Mural
The newest addition to the front porch of the Collegiate Hotel in downtown Auburn, painted by Florida-based artist Gillian Fazio.
Embarking on the journey of exploring Auburn’s murals, the first stop highlights the vibrant Easy Tiger Mural on The Collegiate Hotel porch. Painted across a brick wall, this piece features two tigers, surrounded by floral and natural flourishes. The beautifully detailed flowers with rich shades of red, pink, purple and white instantly draw the eye. Centered in the middle is the bold statement: “Easy, Tiger.”
The statement serves as a humorous and warm welcome at the front of the hotel. As an idiom familiar to many, the forefront of this mural playfully reminds visitors to take it easy. Painted by award-winning artist Gillian Fazio in 2022, each painted flower is from Auburn University’s Panhellenic and National Panhellenic sororities.
While the flowers serve as beautifully colorful details with intricate petals, another striking feature is the pair of detailed tigers flanking either side of the wall. With their fur fading from deep orange to white and bold black stripes running along their backs, these creatures are both powerful and graceful, capturing the essence of Auburn’s spirit. The faces of the tigers are calm and composed, with the rightmost tiger’s mouth slightly open. However, none of their features suggest hostility, his parted jaw feels more like a subtle acknowledgment than a threat. The strength of Auburn pride is evident, but even with that strong spirit, friendliness and ease are always encouraged.
Wall of Waves
Wall of Waves mural located on the side of Beignets & Brews on College St. in Auburn, AL
Further down College Street, one can stop by the newly opened Beignets & Brew for a sweet treat and a creamy cup of coffee. This building serves as the second stop along the scenic mural route but not just for the mouth-watering delights offered inside. While seeing an actual ocean might be rare in the middle of Alabama, this mural offers a pretty good representation of one. On the side of the building are two vibrant blue, doming waves that roll across the entire length of the wall. Upon closer inspection, the bright blue waves reveal hundreds of painted handprints, each small enough to suggest the work of children. The painting serves as a powerful reminder of the natural beauty of our world and the important role we play in educating others and helping to preserve it.
The Freewheeler
The Freewheeler mural located next to Guthries on College St in AUburn, AL
The third stop on the journey brings a more historical, unique portrait. Further down North College Street, directly across from Live Oaks, a bright, light-blue wall showcases a cheerful, cartoon-like bike, with the words “the freewheeler” written above. The irony of the actual freewheeler being an aggressive, hot-rod styled motorcycle rather than the dainty bicycle portrayed alone is a humorous addition. However, beyond the playful design lies a deeper meaning. The term “freewheeler” also refers to someone who enjoys life and goes with the flow, making the mural a symbol of freedom, movement and an easy-going, adventurous spirit – perfectly fitting for the atmosphere of downtown Auburn.
War Eagle Wall
War Eagle mural located next to J&M on College St. in Auburn, AL
The fourth stop features the core of the Auburn spirit: our beloved battle cry. War Eagle Wall is located in the heart of downtown Auburn, near the corner of College Street and Magnolia, right by J&M Bookstore. Painted on a plain beige wall, the mural has some iconic history behind it. In the early 1960s, George Johnston, owner of J&M Bookstore, decided to paint the brick wall between his store and the building next door. The wall technically belonged to Lamar Ware of Ware Jewelers, but George went with an “ask for forgiveness later” approach. “War Eagle” was then painted in bold navy-blue and Auburn-orange capital letters with a classic serif font, where it still stands out today, with some timely repaints, as a true symbol of Auburn pride.
Auburn Icons Mural
Auburn Animal Icons mural located next to Momma Goldberg's Deli on N Donahue Rd in Auburn, AL
The final mural on our route is perhaps the most intricate of them all. Located by the original Momma Goldberg’s Deli on North Donahue, this dynamic piece showcases both impressive design and the strength of Auburn pride. The mural is full of movement and detail, drawing the eye across every element. While primarily black and white, a diamond-shaped, cobalt blue accent in the background adds a striking touch. Completely symmetrical, the mural features an eagle’s head in the upper corners, a flying eagle in the lower corners, and a majestic tiger perched on either side of an oak tree rising at the center.
The mural ties together the heart of Auburn tradition with the tiger and the eagle. The tiger stands for strength and determination, while the soaring eagle symbolizes freedom and spirit – together reflecting the pride and unity that define Auburn.
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