Region's first mural completed
The mural in Wytheville has been completed. It's the first of several planned for Southwest Virginia.
The first mural completed through the Southwest Virginia Community Mural Initiative now welcomes residents and visitors to downtown Wytheville, marking an important milestone in a regional effort to celebrate Southwest Virginia's culture, creativity, and sense of place through public art.
Led by 'Round the Mountain Artisan Network and funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Southwest Virginia Community Mural Initiative supports community-driven public art projects that strengthen local identity, engage residents, and create lasting cultural assets across the region. Four Southwest Virginia communities were selected to participate in the initiative, with Wytheville becoming the first to complete its mural installation.
The mural, created by Virginia artist Jon Murrill of Roanoke, is the result of a collaborative process involving local stakeholders, community members, and regional partners. Following a competitive national call for artists, Wytheville received twelve mural submissions. A selection committee composed of representatives from Downtown Wytheville Incorporated, community members, and 'Round the Mountain reviewed the submissions and selected three finalists, each of whom received a stipend to develop mural concepts.
Community engagement remained central throughout the project. Residents were invited to provide feedback through a public survey that helped inform the final design, ensuring the mural reflected the stories, memories, and character of the Wytheville community. During the design process, Murrill also met with students at George Wythe High School to discuss his artistic journey, creative process, and career as a professional muralist.
“This initiative is about much more than creating public art,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of 'Round the Mountain Artisan Network. “It is about investing in communities, supporting artists, and creating spaces that tell the stories of Southwest Virginia. The Wytheville mural reflects the pride, creativity, and heritage of the community, and we are excited to see how residents and visitors connect with it for years to come.”
Todd Wolford, Executive Director of Downtown Wytheville Incorporated, said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Bringing a mural of this magnitude to downtown Wytheville is incredibly exciting,” said Wolford. “We are grateful for the community's support throughout the process, and it has been especially rewarding to hear from residents who see their own memories, families, and experiences reflected in the artwork. Public art has the power to create connections, and this mural is already doing that in meaningful ways.”
The Southwest Virginia Community Mural Initiative is designed to demonstrate how public art can enhance community spaces, support local tourism, and contribute to economic vitality while celebrating the unique culture of Southwest Virginia. Additional murals in participating communities will be completed over the coming months.
