If you find yourself in Harrisonburg this summer, take time to check out the growing public art scene downtown. Restaurants and businesses alike are elevating their buildings with murals in various styles.
Chess Player
Brought to life by artist Nils Westergard, this mural stretches the length of the Urban Exchange building. Westergard’s work appears in multiple countries. Here, his weekly chess buddy is depicted as magically manipulating the board under the moonlight.
Bird on the Porch
This mural can be found splayed on the side of Broad Porch Coffee Co. in Court Square. Its bright multicolor design draws the eyes, and the flexible line work gives the illusion of a bird mid-flight, catching its breakfast.
Riding home
In this mural near Nest Realty, a bicyclist is shown “riding home” to the Friendly City, surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Creator Tyler Kauffman purposefully made the cyclist’s identity ambiguous so that viewers can relate to the journey.
Entitled Release, this painting by artist Christy Baker depicts an American kestrel being released from a hand and taking flight. The mural is a tribute to the late Charles William Schuler Ziegenfus, a beloved mathematics and biology professor at JMU for more than 50 years.
Western ’Burger
Once again, Tyler Kauffman graces downtown Harrisonburg with his artwork, this time for the popular local eatery Billy Jack’s. Work on the Water Street side of the building started in early May. The plans call for a Western theme to match the ambiance of the restaurant.
Community Oasis
Local artist Gemma Amendola partnered with the Oasis Gallery downtown, where she is a member, to apply for a grant to fund this project. The initial grant request failed, but the Harrisonburg community rose to the challenge and raised more than $10,000 toward the mural. The work, behind the Texas Inn, depicts a woman walking through the Friendly City.
Give LOVE, receive LOVE
They say “Virginia is for Lovers,” and Harrisonburg is no exception. Artist Elliott Downs captures this sentiment in his mural on the city’s north end behind Sage Bird Ciderworks. A cardinal and floral detailing add to the appeal of the work.