SAVANNAH, Ga. — A new public art destination is taking shape in Savannah’s Starland District, where artist Sam Malpass has completed the first large-scale mural at Starland Village, the growing mixed-use development at 2213 Bull Street.
Malpass, founder of Badway Creative, brought a distinctly Georgia-inspired scene to the property featuring a sweetbay magnolia and brown thrasher. Her permanent mural adds a new public art element to Starland Village as the development also prepares for a separate public art initiative this fall: the inaugural Starland Soul Mural Fest, which will bring seven original murals by Savannah artists to the property.
Starland Village is the vision of Foram Group, which has been invested in the Starland District for more than a decade. Foram partnered with Equus Development Partners to jointly develop the first phase of Starland Village, including the two newly completed buildings flanking the historic church and featuring 116 apartments and artist studio spaces. Foram is independently leading Phase II, which centers on the redevelopment of the church.
“Foram has been invested in the Starland District for over 10 years with holdings spanning multiple blocks. We believe strongly in continuing the positive momentum happening throughout this neighborhood,” said Travis Stringer, President & CEO of Foram Group. “Starland has a unique and special identity; creative, local and full of character; and we want Starland Village to add to that rather than take away from it. Public art is an important part of creating a place that feels connected to its surroundings, and Sam’s mural is an exciting first glimpse of what we hope this project will bring to the community.”
Malpass is a multidisciplinary artist and muralist whose work through Badway Creative spans paintings, murals, photography and design. Her work has transformed spaces across the country and around the world, with inspiration drawn heavily from travel, culture and the environments she encounters.
“I love creating work that feels connected to the place where it lives,” said Sam Malpass, artist and founder of Badway Creative. “For this mural, the sweetbay magnolia and brown thrasher gave me an opportunity to pull from the natural beauty and character of Georgia while creating something bold and welcoming for Starland Village. There is already so much creative energy in this neighborhood, and it’s exciting to contribute something that will become part of that landscape.”
Malpass’ mural also serves as a preview of the broader public art vision planned for Starland Village. The Starland Soul Mural Fest recently invited Savannah artists to answer one question through their work: “What does ‘Starland Soul’ mean to you?” Artist submissions closed Aug. 16, and seven selected artists will create original murals throughout Starland Village from Oct. 20 through Nov. 5.
Selected artists will also have their work featured in a Starland Village gallery exhibition, while the winning artist will receive a cash prize, community recognition and one year of studio space.
The initiative will culminate with the Starland Soul Mural Fest celebration on Nov. 6, bringing artists, local businesses, vendors, food trucks and community partners together at Starland Village.
For Foram Group, Starland Village represents a continuation of the company’s investment in the Starland area and its larger commitment to thoughtful development throughout Savannah and the Southeast. Foram also controls 2400 Bull Street, a mixed-use Starland property the company acquired from the previous developer when it was approximately 50% leased. Since acquiring the property, Foram has led additional leasing, tenant curation and landscape beautification efforts. New tenants include Leopold’s Ice Cream and Brochu’s second restaurant location.
“We see development as an opportunity to invest not just in buildings, but in the neighborhoods they become a part of,” Stringer said. “The best projects enhance the neighborhoods around them. We are proud of the response we’re already seeing to Starland Village and excited to keep building on the progress happening throughout Starland.”
Starland Village is located at 2213 Bull Street in Savannah. For additional information about Starland Village and upcoming Mural Fest activities, visit livestarlandvillage.com.
ABOUT FORAM GROUP
Founded in 1978, Foram Group is a third-generation, family-owned real estate investment company specializing in property acquisition, development, leasing and management throughout the Southeast. Headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, Foram brings decades of experience to residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use real estate projects, with a focus on creating thoughtful developments that contribute lasting value to the communities they serve. For more information, visit foramgroup.com.
ABOUT SAM MALPASS / BADWAY CREATIVE
Sam Malpass is a multidisciplinary artist and the founder of Badway Creative. A graduate of Pratt Institute, Malpass has studied and worked around the world, drawing inspiration from travel, culture and the environments she encounters. Her work spans murals, painting, photography and design, with large-scale installations and collaborations transforming spaces across the United States and beyond. For more information, visit sammalpass.com.
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