CULLMAN, Ala. – A local dog groomer recently collaborated with a muralist to bring some Cullman-German flavor to her business.
The Groom Haus Owner Brittany Moore Kelley said she got the idea for the mural from something she created visually.
“When I first got the shop my sister and I were getting it ready to open and I told her, ‘I wish I could get one of those mural things painted somewhere,’ and she told me about Bethany (Kerr),” Kelley said. “She pulled up her Facebook page to show me the work she has done and I knew in my heart it was meant to be. So I immediately sent her a message.”
She continued, “I knew what I wanted but wasn’t really sure how to tell her so I just kinda spit out ideas, and the day she sent back the rough sketch I just cried happy tears. I was so impressed with how she got me exactly.”
Kerr has lived in Cullman for about 30 years and has done many of the murals around town- including Banana Supply in the Warehouse District, and Cullman’s first high school, painted on the wall of the Shopper’s Guide building.
“I was contacted by Brittany, and she asked me to paint a German-themed barber shop with the dogs as the barbers and clients,” Kerr said. “It was such a fun idea, so I drew up the design and got to work as soon as Brittany gave me the green light. It was fun and whimsical and I loved that it incorporated icons from Cullman.”
Kelley said German heritage is extra special to her because of her family ties.
“My great-great grandparents came to Cullman from Germany and my family has lived here since then,” Kelley said. “My parents Nancy and Steve Moore are the ones who put the Hay People up every year. Her parents brought the idea to Cullman when they saw them in Germany. They are also heavily involved in Oktoberfest. I love that time of year; it is our family’s most favorite time, so of course the Hay People had to be involved in the mural.”
She continued “I groom all dogs – old, young, big or small. Poodles are my specialty, but I love every dog that comes in my shop like it was mine. All dogs are beautiful and deserve to be treated like it. My shop name is also a shoutout to our/my German heritage.”
The Groom Haus is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located at 1633 Third St. NE.
To contact Kerr or see more of her work, visit www.Facebook.com/Bethanykerrfineart or email bethanymarieart@gmail.com.
