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.

View the Downtown Mural Photo Gallery

"The mural projects began as a way of showcasing local and regional artists. The Arts Council wanted a visible 'hook' to attract attention to the downtown area and to the number of high quality artists and galleries in West Jefferson," explained Jane Lonon, Executive Director of the Ashe County Arts Council.

"Murals are a means of celebrating our heritage and providing visitors to the area with a glimpse of the artistic talent that abounds in Ashe County." The variety of styles and subject material featured in the downtown murals offers something for everyone. Take time to stroll through the streets of West Jefferson and enjoy galleries, studios and this wonderful outside art.

MURALS

"Weathered Pines"
by R.T. Morgan
Sponsored by: Vivian Miller
Located at Ashe High Country Realty
Completed: July 2003

"New River Traditions"
by Mary Ann DiNapoli-Mylet
Sponsored by: Ashe County Arts Council and Revitalization Committee
Located at Active Realty
Completed: October 1998

"Somewhere in Ashe"
by R.T. Morgan
Sponsored by Revitalization Committee
Located at R.T. Morgan Gallery
Completed: June 2002

"Devil Stairs Pass"
by Stephen Shoemaker
Sponsored by: Ashe County Arts Council and Revitalization Committee
Located at Dollar Tire
Completed: June 2001

"Gardens of the Sea"
by Raney Rodgers
Sponsored by: Raney Rodgers
Located at Acorn Gallery
Completed: June 2002

"Spring Wildflowers on Mount Jefferson"
by Robert Johnson
Sponsored by: Ashe County Arts Council and Revitalization Committee
Located at AF Financial Group
Completed: June 1998

"History of Ashe Through the Ages and Seasons"
by Jack Young
Sponsored by McFarland and Company, Inc. Publishers
Located at Regency Properties
Complete: 1996 -- first mural

"Wings and Things"
by Earle and Raines Thompson with the help of community volunteers
Sponsored by Ashe County Arts Council, NC Museum of Art and ACHS's Project 540
Located at Ashe County Cheese
Completed: March 2004

"Hayden and Chaco"
by Olivia Harless and Stephen Shoemaker
Sponsored by Western Jefferson
Located at Western Jefferson
Completed: August 2004

"Train at Jefferson Station"
by Stephen Shoemaker
Sponsored by Jefferson Station
Located at Jefferson Station
Completed: May 2005

"Blue Ridge Parkway"
by Bessie Clay
Sponsored by Jefferson Station
Located at Jefferson Station
Completed: October 2005