Mural Dedication Ceremony
Venue: Market Square Park, Blacksburg
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Event Types: Arts & Theatre, Speaking Engagements
Cost: Free
Description:
The Town of Blacksburg will hold a mural dedication ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, at 10 am at Market Square Park on Draper Road.

The ceremony will recognize the talents and generosity of local artist Chris Pritchett, and the contributions of the Cranwell family matriarch, Stella Rose Mullins Cranwell, for her lifelong support of the arts.

A compassionate wife and mother, Stella Rose Mullins Cranwell spent much of her early life in the Blacksburg community and many of her family members still call it home. She had a passion for art and travel and loved Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. Blue Ridge Real Estate and associated partners hope to reflect the deep cultural heritage of the Blacksburg area in a series of murals painted in her honor.

Blue Ridge Real Estate sponsored the artwork of Chris Pritchett in a dedication piece, "For Her Love of the Arts." Pritchett is an instructor in graphic design at Virginia Tech, teaching specific design techniques for architecture students. The work portrayed at Market Square Park was designed and painted individually with students in his classes during that time. The murals depict strong influences during a particular time in history. The three panels represent the built environment supporting the community through agriculture, transportation, and housing with the recent completion of the Alexander Black House panel.

There will be four more panels to complete a reflection of Blacksburg's story. Over the next several months the group will be working to identify specific individuals and the trades and skills they shared contributing to the sustainability of the town.

Over the past few years, the Town of Blacksburg has partnered with local artists on a downtown graffiti abatement program. Leading the way was creator of 16 Blocks Magazine, Hart Fowler, and Neighborhood Services Coordinator Kim Kirk-Mills resulting in 17 creative pieces, cleaner alley ways, greater visibility of the arts, and an increase in safety. Many of the artists volunteered their time and materials but donations covered their expenses. Leading the way with over $3,000 in donations was Blue Ridge Real Estate and Cliv Cranwell.

The community is encouraged to join the town and our partners on Tuesday at 10 am to celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Cranwell and the success of our downtown graffiti abatement project.

For more information, visit: http://www.blacksburg.gov/?page=321&recordid=51105