NEWTON, N.C. — The Newton Public Art Commission celebrated a new installation at Yount Park in Downtown Newton.
Osiris Rain, an international muralist based in Charlotte, designed the mural in the style of a barn quilt, weaving vibrant colors and shapes on the wall in paint to capture the essence of the Newton community.
The celebration featured chainsaw wood carving, sidewalk chalk art, live music, a community art project and more.
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Rain told WCNC Charlotte the mural's design was based on the patterns of North Carolina barn quilts of Appalachia and the Appalachian foothills, and ties in motifs of local flora and fauna indicative of the area as well as little nods to the history of the region. It features images of Carolina Cardinals, a Carolina Salamander, Carolina Lillies, butterflies, and hummingbirds, as well as a nod to the flour and grain industry of the area with layered images of wheat and corn.
New mural by Charlotte artist Osiris Rain unveiled in Downtown Newton
"One of my favorite parts of the mural is the central image which is the tree of life with a bear's face integrated into it," Rain said. "This is a nod to the city's arborist, who whenever he prunes a tree, carves the face of a bear into the remaining branch. It's one of those small things that you might never know about that makes a place special and unique."
The Newton Public Art Commission said it "recognizes the importance of facilitating the creation and installation of art for public spaces that evokes social and aesthetic interaction." The commission said it intends for this mural and all public art to convey a strong community identity and bring energy to the space.
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