Davenport city officials and local residents recently celebrated the unveiling of “Beauty of Essence,” a vibrant mural painted by Rock Island artist Zay Williams on the west wall of Celebrity’s Beauty Supply in the Hilltop Campus Village. Funded in part by Quad City Arts, the mural features a woman with a short afro and a hair pick, alongside a cityscape made to resemble shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Williams expressed his honor in contributing to a mural that reflects creativity and vibrancy, particularly for a Black-owned business. He noted the positive community interactions he experienced during the mural’s creation, with neighbors expressing their appreciation and supporting him during the hot days.
Lonnie Westerfield, co-owner of Celebrity’s Beauty Supply, highlighted how the mural has fostered a safe environment for children, who now play and create TikTok videos near the colorful addition to the neighborhood. The Westerfields previously commissioned another mural from Williams for their store’s interior, featuring prominent figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., further enriching the cultural vibe of their establishment.
Brian Kramer, executive director of the Hilltop Campus Village, praised Williams for instilling a “sense of place” in the neighborhood, emphasizing the mural’s impact on community identity.
