How many artist stories begin with Jimmy Buffett, babies, and the Dollar Tree? It’s a beginning that made Whitney’s impossible dream of being an artist, possible.
Whitney said, “I was working at Dollar Tree, living with my mom, and had a baby on the way when I decided to create some Jimmy Buffett-style menu chalk art on my mom’s kitchen chalkboard. She came home and was in awe of my chalk art and was convinced I could do this for a living.”
Soon after that, friends were letting Whitney paint murals in their children’s rooms. That prompted the creation of Murals by Whitney.
“That was the beginning and I haven’t slowed down since,” she said.
Now 11 years later, when Whitney is not creating canvas and other types of art for her store in La Porte, she’s out in other communities, looking for ways to showcase her art with public art displays. Baytown’s Art Alley will be some of her best work yet.
Whitney said, “I think this Alley will bring so much joy to the community with all of the bright colors and fun vibes. I’m so thankful to be a part of it.”
So, what’s the plan for Whitney’s murals? Her first one will involve your pet pelican.
She said, “It will be an interactive mural with a pelican that will have a leash so people can take photos as if it’s their own.”
Whitney’s work will also include her favorite quote.
She said, “The quote is ‘impossible is just an opinion.’ People all over the world are breaking records that were thought to be impossible to break and doing things that were once thought impossible to do. It’s those amazing moments that make people rethink what they have been taught and motivate people to do more.”
Joining Whitney will be Houston artists Shelbi Nicole and Tyler Kay. All three will begin working on their Art Alley murals May 1. The big reveal will take place May 7 at 4pm.
“I’m still in a little bit of shock that I’ll working right next to the Shelbi Nicole and Tyler Kay. I have been following them for a while and I just love everything about their work,” Whitney said.
It was a dream that once seemed impossible, but now Whitney is making that dream a reality with each stroke of the paintbrush.
She added, “It’s very important to not give up on what you want to do just because other people think it’s impossible.”
You can see more of Whitney’s creations at whitneyhayden.com and on her social media channels. To read more about Art Alley or any of the artists, visit baytown.org.