ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A statewide public art initiative aimed at bringing murals to every county in North Carolina is set to make its mark in Asheville, with a large-scale project planned at Pack Memorial Library.
The initiative, known as Paint NC and led by North Carolina artist Max Dowdle, seeks to create 100 murals across the state’s 100 counties. The effort emphasizes highlighting local identity, including people, landscapes and lesser-known histories unique to each community.
In Buncombe County, the project will include more than 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor mural work at the downtown library. Installation is scheduled to begin the week of May 11.
Community input to shape final design
The mural’s design will be guided heavily by public participation, according to organizers. County staff have already narrowed concepts to three options featuring regional themes such as native plants and animals, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River.
Residents can review and vote on their preferred design online through May 1, 2026, or cast ballots in person at the library. The final concept will be selected based largely on that feedback.
Artist outlines design approach
The outdoor mural will wrap around the building and feature a collage of local imagery. Preliminary mockups were developed using a mix of the artist’s original work and artificial intelligence tools during early design stages.
Dowdle said AI was used to help refine ideas, but emphasized that the finished mural will be created entirely by hand.
“All work as it is put on the wall will be 100 percent human-driven, and the hand of the artist will be very apparent,” he said.
Volunteers invited to participate
Community members will have opportunities to help paint portions of the mural inside the library during scheduled “paint days.” Organizers say volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, with tasks ranging from base coating to detail work under the artist’s guidance.
All materials will be provided, and participation will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funded through federal relief program
The $37,600 project is funded through the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act. It is being developed in partnership with Larry Wheeler, the North Carolina Museum of Art, NC Main Street and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.
County officials say the mural aligns with goals in the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Plan, which calls for expanding public art in shared spaces to support community healing and economic recovery.
Additional programming tied to the project, including artist talks and classes, is expected to be announced by Buncombe County Libraries in the coming months.