Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Swiger brothers are making waves along the Gulf Coast, literally and figuratively, with their combined talents as they continue taking deep dives into the world of murals. Explore over 40 locations across coastal Alabama towns as we navigate some of the public locations. 

Both brothers raised on the 32-mile Island opted into a bit of travel before landing back in Gulf Shores, quickly finding their niches and settling into a name of their own. One might be familiar with the phrase ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ eldest brother J.D. Swiger took this to the next level by incorporating the ringing coast theme of “Leave Only Footprints” paired with his artistic flair. An idea dubbed from what to do with all the trash left behind on the beaches and a yearning to make it count in a way only a natural could dream up, J.D’s upcycled art started to thrive. He took all the safe sandy findings and decided to make a statement and that he did. It wasn't too long until younger brother Michael returned with his own artistic talent and soon after the real magic of the mural legacies began.

Each one having a very different talent, began working simultaneously around town J.D hitting the scenes showcasing his videography and graphics and Michael with a more refined approach of fine arts as his forte. By 2019, nearly two years of working together separately, a commission was laid before them which would mark the first brotherly mural in the artist's green room at the Hangout in Gulf Shores, where 59 ends the fun begins, as did the story of the mural brothers. A tough year for many across the globe, 2020 ironically served up an interesting year of fruition for the boys and their artist-lanes and collaborations. Their first, just for art sakes studio space, Michael shared gave them both “time to hunker down and really put some focus”  into the brick-and-mortar blessing that changed the trajectory into full speed ahead for this brotherly brand. 

Swiger Studios was born, each wall and space specifically chosen and curated to reflect the multidimensional nature of the Swiger’s. The doors would be open the first Saturday of every month. Michael reminisces stating, “we had a venue for local musicians to come and jam and a home for our art, a tangible spot, but it became redundant.” With the success of prime studio location and the first mural at the Hangout, the Swiger’s were well on their way to shaking things up. The pair would now need to find a way to bring two very different artists together for the same projects. 

The redundancy was long gone  ‘Our Lady of the Gulf Island Catholic Church’ one of their largest murals was completed, and the commissions were flooding in. “It was interesting to see how it was all going to formulate and we were able to get a lot more done together.” Not surprised though Michael explained, “we came up in the same household as two artists and we can really dive into each other’s minds, while still respecting each other's opinions and styles.” J.D. says it this way, “we are two totally different artists with totally different mediums, but there’s something different happening when we collaborate on murals.” Adding “it’s always interesting to see how we are going to combine our styles and how we bounce off each other, in two different visionary mixed media styles that somehow just works.” 

The year 2024 has opened up doors and opportunities for the brothers with a rebrand; the pair have made names for themselves, collecting accolades on and off the Island. For two years in a row, 2023 and 2024, Swiger Studios has secured the ‘Best of Baldwin Award’ and the 24th annual ‘People’s Choice Award’ for best art dealer in south Baldwin County and Perdido Key presented by Sunny 105.7 the choice of paradise. J.D thinks back to one of his favorites, “I enjoyed Gulf Shores Elementary to be there around the kids having a chance to interact” it took a month and a half so, “as far as what subject matters went into the mural at different times and why was inspiring and exciting to share with them”, and for them to see come to life. The brothers both hold an interest in community and mentoring young artists/entrepreneurs.

Today the Swiger’s mural collabs can be found all around the 32-Mile Island from the shark mouth at Souvenir City or the latest found at Picnic Beach in Gulf Shores to the metropolis itself, The Wharf in Orange Beach where you can get ‘Hooked on Fun’ and more. Find all the Swiger Studio murals, individual art pieces, music and more by keeping up with their continued story at www.swigerstudio.com plus follow Swiger Studio social media platforms for local updates on what’s next.