ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Special Collections has invited the community to explore an exhibit all about Asheville murals as a mural by artist Max Dowdle nears completion at Pack Memorial Library.
Dowdle is the artist behind Paint NC: 100 Murals in 100 Counties. In his statewide public art project, Dowdle seeks to paint a large-scale public mural in every county in North Carolina, “honoring North Carolina’s people, places and overlooked histories,” the artist wrote.
The Buncombe County edition is in progress on the exterior of Pack Library in downtown Asheville. The design was selected by Buncombe County residents in a public poll.
“It’s a scene of the French Broad River pulling everything together, the flora and the fauna, and the mission of the library,” Dowdle said in a video posted to social media. “I’ll have people reading and people writing.”
Inside the library, Dowdle has painted several historic postcards depicting Asheville life.
The art project coincides with “History of Asheville Street Art & Murals,” a free exhibit celebrating the history of murals in Asheville. The first public art mural in the city was installed in August 1976, 50 years ago this year.
The exhibit will be housed on the lower level of Pack Library until Aug. 28. It features the work of 29 artists and an interactive “Free Wall” where visitors are invited to showcase their own graffiti designs.
A closing reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. Refreshments and free, local graffiti stickers will be available.
Prior to the reception, local artist Zen Sutherland will give a live demonstration of “various aerosol art techniques and allow participants to try their hand at customizing and taking home one of his highly sought-after ‘AVL’ ROMPs (Random Object Magnetic Project) that have been in circulation on cars and in local businesses since 2014,” Buncombe County Special Collections said in a press release.
Space is limited.
For more information, visit www.specialcollections.buncombenc.gov.