Artist Statement

The mural depicts the roots of Old Time Music in and around Galax – Tommy Jarrell, Kyle Creed, Ernest (Pops) Stoneman, Emmet Lundy, Katie Lundy Golding, early Ernest and Hattie Stoneman, Luther Davis, Otis Burris, Marokie Slaughter, Bobby Patterson, early Katie Golding and band, and Whit Sizemore and the Shady Mountain Ramblers.  In the middle is a band at the Fiddler’s convention and a young boy on fiddle – demonstrating the future.

These are only quick designs and can be modified and fine tuned before they are installed on the wall.  I have created them so they will fit on any of the three sites. We can set up a community day where the public will be invited to come out and paint part of the mural.

Artist Statement

This mural is a visual tribute to the cultural identity and landscape of Galax, Virginia – a place where music, craft, and the outdoors interact to form a living heritage.  The composition brings together symbols that represent the rhythms of life in this mountain community.

At the center of the piece, musical imagery emerges through a fiddle and vintage microphone, representing the deep bluegrass and old-time traditions that define the region.  Galax has long been known as a gathering place for musicians, where melodies are passed down through generations and music remains a vital thread in the community’s cultural fabric.  Flowing musical notes connect these elements, suggesting the continuous movement of sound, history, and shared experience.

Surrounding the music are references to Galax’s craftsmanship.  Quilt patterns and furniture-inspired forms acknowledge the town’s historical roots in manufacturing and Appalachian textile traditions. These elements celebrate the artistry of handmade work and the skilled labor that helped shape the town’s identity.

The large bicycle wheel and spokes symbolize the New River Trail and the outdoor recreation that draws people to the region today.  The circular form reflects motion, exploration, and the passage of time – bridging Galax’s past with its present as a destination for outdoor adventure.

Finally, the Blue Ridge Mountains anchor the composition at the base of the mural.  Their layered forms represent the landscape that has nurtured the town’s traditions, creativity, and way of life.  Together these elements form a visual narrative of Galax – where mountains, music, craftsmanship, and movement come together to tell the story of a community deeply rooted in tradition yet continually evolving.

Artist Statement

My favorite way to create my art is through painting.  I mainly use acrylic paints, but I do dabble in watercolor at times.  The common denominator in all my paintings is the abundance of color that I use.  I love for my paintings to be bright and colorful, yet full of detail.  Because of this, I feel as though I can never find a small enough paintbrush.  My goal of my art is to just make people smile and to encourage a little more self- expression.  This piece holds a special place in my heart because it is my home.  I have Lived in the Tri-County area for most of my life and have always admired our breathtaking nature and loving community.  My goal with this painting is to help you do the same.

Artist Statement

My motivation for this piece is to create an image that is larger than life drawing attention to Galax’ musical history. Music is such a strong art form, that we all have in common, that the act of not only making music, but just listening to it brings communities together. The image I created is meant to share that sense of family representing that moment of creating art(music), by depicting an intimate jam session of folk/bluegrass artists and musicians’ instruments as if you are sitting amongst them and they’re playing just for the viewer.

The shared image is a rough sketch using reference images. When applying this mural my goal will be to force perspective and bring the hands and the instruments forward. I want to push realism with the figures but also add my own bit of artistic license with pops of vibrant colors and shadows. I always try to add in some natural elements to my pieces because of my love for the outdoors and to bring awareness to the importance of our local natural flora. So, obviously, I was thrilled to learn of the Galax plant and the role it played in the town of Galax!   With the addition of this beautiful plant-life to the foreground and having the musicians immersed in them, they also give opportunity for community interaction. Within these I will have a stand-out Galax leaf for the scavenger hunt as requested.

All said, I am always happy to collaborate with the community which will be living with my artwork. I want to build a piece together that will best represent my client and their goals!

I’m happy to share with you that I work with Benjamin-Moore paints who provide me a rep that will take a look at the surface and provide me with the right primer and paint for the job so they can back the mural and guarantee a 10-20 years life span of the painting.

Artist Statement

Sisters from Galax, Virginia where their roots run deep.  They have been creating murals together for over a decade.  The bright colorful pieces they have collaborated on are influenced by the beauty, music and culture of Appalachia, and celebrate the diversity and unity of the region.  Their murals have always been created as a reflection of the love they have for their community and all of the beauty found therein.  Their works are a love letter to the cultural heritage, people and history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Artist Statement

Sisters from Galax, Virginia where their roots run deep.  They have been creating murals together for over a decade.  The bright colorful pieces they have collaborated on are influenced by the beauty, music and culture of Appalachia, and celebrate the diversity and unity of the region.  Their murals have always been created as a reflection of the love they have for their community and all of the beauty found therein.  Their works are a love letter to the cultural heritage, people and history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Artist Statement

Sisters from Galax, Virginia where their roots run deep.  They have been creating murals together for over a decade.  The bright colorful pieces they have collaborated on are influenced by the beauty, music and culture of Appalachia, and celebrate the diversity and unity of the region.  Their murals have always been created as a reflection of the love they have for their community and all of the beauty found therein.  Their works are a love letter to the cultural heritage, people and history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Artist Statement

In our proposed design, birds take flight, accompanied by people learning to soar—a powerful symbol of pursuing dreams. The mural aspires to new heights and emphasizes diversity, capturing the essence of teamwork, unity in the community, and the cherished value of freedom. This artwork serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration, reminding viewers of the limitless possibilities that come with unity and collective effort.

Artist Statement

I would like to have the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts to participate in the painting of the mural. I would outline the picture and volunteers would help fill in the outlines with colors of my choosing to reflect the submitted and chosen picture. I would touch up and blend whatever "volunteer work" as needed. I feel that the volunteer’s investment of time and talents would be a source of pride for the individuals, their families, friends and community because it would be a true community project.  I am a local resident, having immigrated legally to the USA in August of 2025. I am still learning English and although communication may be difficult, I feel it would benefit both me and the community by capturing the diverseness and inclusion of my newly adopted hometown.

Artist Statement

I would like to have the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts to participate in the painting of the mural. I would outline the picture and volunteers would help fill in the outlines with colors of my choosing to reflect the submitted and chosen picture. I would touch up and blend whatever "volunteer work" as needed. I feel that the volunteer’s investment of time and talents would be a source of pride for the individuals, their families, friends and community because it would be a true community project.  I am a local resident, having immigrated legally to the USA in August of 2025. I am still learning English and although communication may be difficult, I feel it would benefit both me and the community by capturing the diverseness and inclusion of my newly adopted hometown.

Artist Statement

I would like to have the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts to participate in the painting of the mural. I would outline the picture and volunteers would help fill in the outlines with colors of my choosing to reflect the submitted and chosen picture. I would touch up and blend whatever "volunteer work" as needed. I feel that the volunteer’s investment of time and talents would be a source of pride for the individuals, their families, friends and community because it would be a true community project.  I am a local resident, having immigrated legally to the USA in August of 2025. I am still learning English and although communication may be difficult, I feel it would benefit both me and the community by capturing the diverseness and inclusion of my newly adopted hometown.

Artist Statement

For this mural, I wanted to create something bold and eye-catching that would serve as a beautiful photo opportunity for visitors while also capturing what makes Galax special. The mountains in the background evolve into the pages of a storybook, holding and telling the stories of traditions and the culture that has grown here over generations.  Lush mountain laurel frames the scene, so full and vibrant that viewers can almost smell the blooms, transporting them to a quiet laurel thicket beside a mountain creek. Sheet music drifts and dances across the glowing sunset sky, subtly forming an abstract Galax leaf-a tribute to the deep musical roots of the community and a tie to our native foliage. It's an honor to be a part of this mural selection process and to create something to celebrate Galax as I have always felt it to I'm so proud of our community and excited and hopeful for our blooming future here.

Artist Statement

I wanted this mural to reflect the strength, hope, and abundance that live in this place. Around here, music and art aren't something separate from everyday life-- they've always been part of it.

The sound of old-time music has carried through these mountains for generations. If you spend enough time here, you start to feel it in the landscape-the hollers, thewater, the wildlife, all moving together in their own rhythm. I try to capture that aliveness and spirit in my art and it’s what inspires me to continue creating. The fiddle, the flowing water, and the natural elements in the mural are meant to show that connection between music, nature, and creativity that's long been part of life here. I am proud to live in a place that is so willing to facilitate opportunities for amazing art to occur. The magic in the mountains is alive and I hope this mural reflects a bit of the spirit of this place and celebrates the unique attributes that make it home.

Artist Statement

Currently, I use my artistic processes to study and explore the history, culture and whimsy of SW Virginia, our Commonwealth, and our nation in hopes of capturing strength, innovation and beauty that has thrived here over the generations into today.  One of my goals is to bring hope, encouragement and resolve to other people’s creative endeavors.  I wish to pour everything I have into improving my surroundings and community.  I’m grateful for the opportunity.  My recent work is simply a glimpse into my whimsical perspective, past, present and future.

Artist Statement

Currently, I use my artistic processes to study and explore the history, culture and whimsy of SW Virginia, our Commonwealth, and our nation in hopes of capturing strength, innovation and beauty that has thrived here over the generations into today.  One of my goals is to bring hope, encouragement and resolve to other people’s creative endeavors.  I wish to pour everything I have into improving my surroundings and community.  I’m grateful for the opportunity.  My recent work is simply a glimpse into my whimsical perspective, past, present and future.

Artist Statement

Currently, I use my artistic processes to study and explore the history, culture and whimsy of SW Virginia, our Commonwealth, and our nation in hopes of capturing strength, innovation and beauty that has thrived here over the generations into today.  One of my goals is to bring hope, encouragement and resolve to other people’s creative endeavors.  I wish to pour everything I have into improving my surroundings and community.  I’m grateful for the opportunity.  My recent work is simply a glimpse into my whimsical perspective, past, present and future.

Artist Statement

If selected, I will customize to Galax.  Shown are examples of murals created for other communities.  You can view more on Instagram @anytownmuralandsign