The downtown mural project began in 1996 when McFarland and Company, Inc., Publishers, commissioned local artist Jack Young to create the mural "History of Ashe Through the Ages". The mural is located on the Regency Properties building next to the Ashe Arts Center.
In 1998 the Ashe County Arts Council was instrumental
in establishing "The Arts District" in downtown West
Jefferson by working with the West Jefferson Revitalization Committee to complete to murals, "Spring Wildflowers on Mt. Jefferson" and "New River Traditions". These murals were funded, in part, by a Visual Arts
New Works Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council
Handmade in America.
Robert Johnson's "Spring Wildflowers on Mt. Jefferson"
depicts a close up of spring wildflowers, a view of the
cliffs and foliage on top of the mountain and a distant
view of Mt. Jefferson.
Marianne DiNapoli Mylet's "New River Traditions" features two musicians playing traditional instruments and other scenes from Ashe County, past and present, the "Virginia Creeper" train, a family enjoying a picnic along the New River and the natural beauty of our area.
In 2001 Stephan Shoemaker's "Cut at Devil Stairs" was completed on the Dollar Tire Building. The mural is reminiscent of a time when the railroad was vital to the life of Ashe County. This mural was made possible by the collaborative effort and funding of the Ashe County Revitalization Committee, Handmade in America and the Ashe County Arts Council.
In July 2003, R.T. Morgan painted
"Somewhere in Ashe" on the side of
R.T. Morgan Gallery. The mural is
a brilliant and colorful landscape
depicting the high country in the
autumn leaf season. This mural was
funded, in part, by the Ashe County
Revitalization Committee.
Other murals have been added to the downtown "Arts District"
"Gardens by the Sea"
Artist: Raney Rogers
Location: Acorn Gallery
"Weathered Pines"
Artist: R.T.Morgan
Location:Ashe High Country Realty
"Hayden and Chaco"
Artists: Olivia Harless and
Stephen Shoemaker
Location: Western Jefferson
In 2004, "Wings and Things" was painted on the wall of the Ashe County Cheese Plant Production Building. This mural project was a partnership
between the North Carolina Museum of Art, Ashe County High School's Project 540 and the Ashe County Arts Council. Artists Earle Klutz Thompson and Raines Thompson designed the rural farm scene and led over 125 students and community volunteers in painting the mural over
a three day weekend.
Two local artists, Bessie Clay and Stephen Shoemaker, created murals on the newly renovated Jefferson Station in downtown West Jefferson. The murals are "Blue Ridge Parkway" and "Train at Jefferson Station"
In the summer of 2006 another mural entitled "Unity in Diversity" was added to the downtown landscape. The bright and colorful mural has a home on the side of Geno's Restaurant. Winston Salem artist Marianne DiNapoli-Mylet worked with students at the Ashe Middle School to create a mural that reflects the landscape of Ashe County, the music and the people who live and work here. Unity, diversity, peace and tolerance in Spanish border the mural design. Along with volunteers from the Latino Center, students painted the mural on fabric panels that were adhered to the wall with a special adhesive followed by a protective coating. This mural project was part of an Arts in Education Residency Grant funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency, and the Ashe Middle School. Additional funding was provided by Handmade in America and the West Jefferson Community Partnership and the Ashe County Arts Council.
This brings the number of murals in downtown West Jefferson to twelve. The enthusiasm and overwhelming support of the community has made the downtown mural project a success. The interest in public art has continued in Ashe County bringing new and exciting projects to our area
"Public art has the power to beautify, enhance and contribute to the our living spaces."
