Art in the Heart: Murals in Randolph County
Vibrant Streets
Randolph County holds a collection of beautiful murals that adorn the buildings with beautiful colors. We at the Heart of North Carolina wanted to share each and every one of these magnificent pieces with you! Maybe you can check them out on your next trip to the heart!
Archdale
Creekside Park:
A lot of people visit this park for the number of activities present, as there is a lot to do in Creekside Park, but the mural here is also of note, displaying a wonderful geometric pattern! Painted by Karla Pacheco in 2023, this mural includes vibrant colors, encouraging messages, and adds extra life to the landscape. When asked about the experience of creating this piece of art, Karla said, “My work for the mural at Archdale Parks was a really fun experience. The design was a collaboration with the guys at Archdale Parks - they wanted inspirational phrasing, but the rest was left up to me. I came up with a few different visual concepts in funky and colorful shapes, and we landed on the geometric look. This decision was also made in part because we wanted to incorporate the kids in the community for a paint-by-number type of event, so there was a technical aspect as well as an aesthetic one. Once the color was down, I cleaned it up, added the chosen phrases in fun lettering, then signed and sealed it! It was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had to create something like this WITH the community that leaves a legacy.” This art measures in at 40 feet long along the retaining wall near the playground, so there is plenty of space for big groups to snap a photo. Many community members came out to help paint this beautiful painting, so it is filled with the love and encouragement of many people. If you are interested in watching the process of this mural creation, here is a link to a timelapse of the painting!
Asheboro
Train:
In downtown Asheboro, on the side of Collectors Antique Mall, there is a train mural that is very well known by the local population. This piece was painted by Susan Harrell, a native to Asheboro, during the summer of 2013. The art style is known as known as a trompe l’oeil painting, meaning that it has dimension realistic enough to appear in 3-D! With a working headlight and track emerging from the wall, it makes for a wonderful photo spot and an interesting conversation!
Healing is Possible:
Another downtown Asheboro gem is “Healing is Possible” on the side of Antiques and Geeks Collectables on Sunset. Painted by Britt Flood, this colorful inspiring painting is a reminder that there is always the sun after a storm. Flood says, “I love painting people and imagined portraits and consider my work to be expressive and gestural. I love using massive brushes and when painting, I try to focus on the spirit or energy of a scene rather than capturing exact small details.” On the painting the numbers “988” are placed as the number that can be called for assistance with mental distress. Pictured in the painting is a silhouette of a head with bright colors and a landscape. We encourage anyone who is struggling with mental health to seek help and know that there is always hope.
Randolph Memories:
This beautiful painting known as “Randolph Memories” emulates a time long passed. Created by Dwight Holland and painted by Cynvia Aurther (director and lead artist), Audrey Beck, and Louise Culler in 1977, this painting is a town favorite. The mural was later refurbished by local artist Susan Harrell. Located on Fayetteville Street in downtown Asheboro, the piece depicts a bustling street with shops and people giving life to this still image. With the whimsical nature of the two-person bike, to the children playing marbles, there are so many details to find and appreciate in this scene.
Coca Cola in Asheboro:
An oh-so classic beverage that many people the world over know is Coca Cola and this mural is an incredible example of an era style advertisement that Coca Cola would have hosted in the past. Located on the side of Bold Coffee Co. on Fayetteville St., this beautiful artwork puts the iconic drink in a summer setting, the perfect time to enjoy a Coca Cola! Painted by Louis Brady, a native of Franklinville NC, the advertisement resurrected from the past provides a bit of nostalgia to many people who remember such things from their childhood. Why not take a peek and maybe a photo with your current day beverage of choice?
Eastside Park:
Have you ever wondered what a building might look like if the entire structure was a mural? Well at Eastside Park in Asheboro you can find out! Commissioned by Marquez Cassidy to beautify the area, this mural contains a wall honoring a beloved community member. A tribute to Russ Murphy, this mural in Eastside Park, Asheboro, illustrates the life and values that Russ held during his time here. There are many nods to football as he was a well-known and beloved coach. Created by Leon Rucker and Marcus Lowery, the beautiful painting can be visited at any time. Anyone who is interested can visit and learn more about Russ and his life from his tribute piece as well. The entire mural was a collaboration between many different people and organizations including Rhinoleap, a local theatrical organization, City of Asheboro, The Carver Center, and The Randolph Arts Guild.
Iconic Places in Asheboro:
Full of iconic places and whimsical features, this downtown Asheboro mural located on South Church St. depicts many buildings and features that are memorable to the locals. Painted by local artist and art teacher Cori Cagle, this masterpiece includes zoo sculptures, the Asheboro farmers market, and the stage in Bicentennial Park where many concerts have been held! Take a stroll to see it for yourself and maybe you will be able to pick out each and every detail included, but be warned, there is a lot since the wall that is painted is incredibly long!
Polar Bear Mural:
A playful image, this mural located on Sunset Ave. in downtown Asheboro on the side of The Flying Pig depicts one of the North Carolina Zoo’s most iconic residents, the polar bear! Created by local artist Susan Harrell, this mural captures the majestic beauty of the polar bears, gazing at the horizon and swimming in the deep. With the words, “Connect your Life to Wildlife,” written on this mural, the piece sparks onlookers to ask a lot of questions: “Why are there polar bears downtown? Where can I see these polar bears,” and maybe even, “What would it be like to be close to one?” Fortunately, you can find the answer to the last two of those questions at the North Carolina Zoo! As for the first one, why not let us know your thoughts by connecting with us on social media with #heartofnc!
Seagrove
See Y’all in Seagrove:
The things that end up being eye catching can make a road trip interesting. If you are looking to spice up your trip, then why not stop by and have a look at this mural! Located on the side of the Historic Luck’s Cannery in Seagrove, a vibrant and friendly mural awaits to greet you! Painted by Aylissa Hall, this artwork contains flowers and landscapes to draw you in. “See Y’all in Seagrove,” is scrawled across the image, encouraging you to explore what the area has to offer. Why not stop by to have a look and maybe a few pictures!
Potter Landscape Scene:
Seagrove is well known for its pottery industry which makes this mural a beautiful addition to the conversation! Located on the Historic Luck’s Cannery in Seagrove, this sprawling landscape painting illustrates many things that make the area so memorable! The potter’s hands represent the prominent pottery culture there, but the background mountains actually mean something as well! Parts of Seagrove are located in the Uwharrie Mountains and therefore look this way from different places! Painted by Lauren Freeman, this can be found at the upper entrance to the building!
Ramseur
Coca Cola in Ramseur:
As a renowned retro piece of art, the Coca Cola advertisement mural can be found on Main Street in downtown Ramseur. Coca Cola used to rent the side of buildings to paint an advertisement on in an era passed. In 2016, an artist came by and painted this piece on the side of a brick building. It is most visible when driving north. Why not stop by and visit the mural to experience a time long passed in the present day?
Randleman
Deep River State Trail:
Nature is a big part of this county. Jobs, activities, and lifestyles change with the seasons here. Since it is such a large part of us, it makes sense to paint a large mural of it! In Randleman near Commerce Square Park on the side of Studio 601 Photography and Art Gallery a beautiful scene of the Deep River is illustrated here! Painted by Susan Harrell, this wildlife scene is full of dimension and detail. The Deep River and its adjoined trail are a large attraction here and important to the locals. There is also a statue painted on the mural that depicts the individual that the municipality of Randleman is named after. You can make a combined lesson on ecology and history when you visit!
Trinity
Trinity History:
Located on the historic ground of what once was Trinity College, now known as Duke University, there is a mural that illustrates the history of that area. With dates and people, it makes for a good stop to connect with Trinity by learning about what built it! This mural covers a whole wall and is quite large! Located on the side of the gym at Braxton Craven Middle School in Trinity, this mural is open to the public as the school is no longer in use. Consider stopping by and appreciating the realistic artwork that is this mural!
Linbrook Heritage Estate Silos:
Located on Snyder Country Road, these silos, two to be exact, have beautiful works of art on them! One depicts a person while the other is a landscape scene with a tractor and the Linbrook Heritage Estate house! The tractor is a reference to their Neal Agricultural and Industrial Museum present on the property that hosts a steam day during the year as a big event! These silos are on the property of the attraction so you can stop on your way to explore Linbrook or simply stop to take a peek at the murals!
