Watauga Arts Council Showcases Tunnel Mural Art Project

BLOWING ROCK, NC—The Watauga Arts Council invited guests to preview the space and design of tunnel art installations being created to celebrate the region’s heritage, provide educational opportunities, and encourage the health and wellness for people of all ages.

Watauga Arts Council Executive Director Amber Bateman explained, “The first of two new installations is being built at the Greenway tunnel entrace at the Tweensie Railroad.

Whitney Landwehrmann has been selected as the artist who will integrate stories, ideas, and images from our diverse community into a fairytale-like scenes that will include local history and environmental education. Each tunnel will feature a QR code, leading to a video documenting the mural's creation and providing information about the educational components,” Bateman said.

Community Involvement 
The interactive mural walk which will invite residents and visitors to both explore and learn, involves a lot of community collaboration. Its creation includes working directly with seniors, rural youth, and multicultural residents, who will be contributing to the content and helping paint the murals. Those interested can sign up to receive updates and scheduling information here.

Bateman said, “We are thrilled to continue our 'Art in the Outdoors' project on the Middle Fork Greenway, owing this opportunity to the generous support of a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant. Not only will the murals enhance the Greenway, they will attract attention to new trails, inspire people to enjoy outdoor exercise, and provide educational opportunities for local schools and trail travelers.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP has invested $479,000 through 39 grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities across North Carolina.

Alan Briggs, an AARP volunteer from West Jefferson said, “AARP North Carolina is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially those 50 and older.

This project is being created by community members who want to tell their stories, express their identities and create enriching spaces,” he said.

With additional funding support from Toyota Motors of North America, the program is increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

View the full list of grantees and their project descriptions at aarp.org/communitychallenge and learn more about AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.