The Painting is on the Wall, Murals of Downtown West Jefferson

Published: 10/21/2009

For residents and visitors, the murals give a glimpse of the artistic talent that abounds in Ashe County. The variety of styles and subject matter featured in the downtown murals offers something for everyone. The enthusiasm and the overwhelming support from the community makes the mural projects successful and provides beauty and wonder on the walls of local businesses.

Take time to stroll through the streets of West Jefferson and enjoy galleries, studios, fine shops, delicious restaurants and interesting outside art.

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.