Street murals and street photography share common roots.
Both street murals and street photography are inspired by the grunge, truth, and raw reality that weaves together on the streets. One helps shape the soul of a place, becoming the backdrop against which the community lives out its life. The other captures snapshots of those lives, as they dip and weave and coexist within the community.
The street mural in Wilson, NC gives a nod to both.
Street photography holds a unique place in Wilson. Every spring, the Eyes On Main Street Festival transforms Wilson’s sleepy downtown into an outdoor gallery of world-class street photography from around the globe. Throughout the year, photographers from around the world attend the EOMS Residency, each capturing visual stories of Wilson through the unique perspective of their lens.
The street mural at Art Happens on Tarboro Street celebrates this connection between Wilson and street photography.
Behind-The-Scenes: Painting a Street Mural
Painting this street mural was a whirlwind.
Our friends were visiting from Denmark at the time. Patrick, Theresa, and baby Kaya were with us for three weeks near the start of the journey. At first we tried to have Kaya, model for the mural. But it was tough getting her to hold the camera right! Patrick took the job.
After priming was done, Patrick took on baby duty. That way, Theresa could get some mural painting time as well. And we were joined by Bella Van Dyke, an aspiring young artist herself!
There is baby Kaya! Here is the crew taking a much-needed break. The day was hot (see the weather forecast below), and we were racing the clock to get the main design painted before nightfall.
Our most sincere thanks to Eyes On Main Street for sponsoring the Wilson Art We There Yet street mural. Thank you to Art Happens on Tarboro for providing the wall. Thank you to Rosabella Van Dyke, Patrick Hansen, and Theresa Boye for being the crew for this mural. Thank you to Barbara White for hosting us (and the bus!) in town.