A colorful mural will soon cover an empty wall on Main Street in New Castle and is thought to be the first public art in the county. The Craig County Tourism Commission recently received proposals from professional artists for the Craig County Mural which will be located on the apartment-office building adjacent to the Craig County Farmers Market.
Funding to cover the cost of the project was part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), administered by Virginia Tourism Corporation to all Virginia counties in an effort to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. Commission members are pleased to announce the project has been awarded to Jon Murrill of Vinton and the design process is now underway.
Murrill has completed a variety of murals in Southwest Virginia including large scale projects along the Roanoke River Greenways, public park spaces, and many private businesses and buildings. Murrill’s murals are all original concepts and are tailored to each space and client. He is familiar with Craig County as he is a former art teacher at Craig County High School. Murrill accompanies his community mural work with the incorporation of “community painting days.” Citizens will be invited to work with Murrill on designated days where he engages volunteers in painting sessions that are comfortable for any skill level.
The final design is expected to be unveiled at the April 20th Grand Opening of the Farmers Market. Prep work on the building and painting will begin as soon as weather conditions permit. For more about the artist, visit www.murrillart.com.
submitted by Craig County Tourism Commission
