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BC Creative Equity Mural Project

Buncombe Creative Equity Mural Project:
Forming a collaborative culture of art

Blank walls – they're everywhere. But in Buncombe County, there's an opportunity for there to be three fewer thanks to the BC Creative Equity Mural Project. "Each day, thousands of people pass by these blank spaces with no connection, no inspiration," said Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger. "With the abundance of incredible talent in our area, there's no reason why these spaces shouldn't be filled with art that reflects the people, places, and values of Buncombe County."

The Buncombe County Creative Equity Mural project selected three artists to bring themes of racial equity, reconciliation, and restoration to three Buncombe walls at the March 21 Board of Commissioners meeting. The project was initially presented by Drew Reisinger to fill a wall on the Register of Deeds building. Buncombe County identified two more spaces and issued a call for submissions in October 2022. A total of 21 applicants were narrowed down to five finalists, with three awards granted based on criteria including artistic reflection of people and place, positive contribution to the community, vendor experience, and project implementation.

View Completed Murals
View Upcoming Murals

Completed Murals

Leslie Reynalte-Llanco (b. 2001)
Eros un orgullo Latino / You are Latin Pride, 2023

I am humbled to present my latest mural, " Eres un orgullo Latino," centered in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. This vibrant artwork is a testament to the resilience, diversity, and unity of the Latino community while also highlighting the contributions to Asheville's social fabric.

The 2,590 sq ft mural depicts 12 figures from the Latino community. It pictures members from all walks of life and their different goals. The quotes above each character are in both Spanish and English. The mural is a mixed media work using house-grade acrylic and spray paint. With its creative atmosphere, Asheville provides the perfect canvas for this mural. By situating the mural in a prominent public space, I hope it creates conversation for bridging gaps between cultures and fostering an appreciation for the strength that stems from embracing one's heritage. May it be a source of inspiration for generations to come, empowering them to embrace their unique identities and walk with pride!

This mural was created with support from technical advisors Kathryn Crawford and Gus Cutty as well as the assistance of Katie Cornell and fiscal sponsor ArtsAVL.

View Leslie's Completed Mural

Gabriel Eng-Goetz (b. 1985)
Rebuild, 2023

This mural honors the legacy of historically black neighborhoods in Asheville, all of which have been devastated by urban renewal and redlining. Flowing banners listing the names of these historic neighborhoods weave throughout the composition surrounded by symbolic imagery. At the center we see a pair of mating native Red-Winged Blackbirds building a nest with the assistance of human hands. Birds are ancient symbols of freedom and the nest and tree symbolize genealogy and family. A pencil from the illustrious Stephens-Lee High School acknowledges the contributions of local black educators prior to integration. A coin embedded in the nest represents The Block, black-owned business and the new promise of reparations. As Asheville continues to rapidly change, this mural is intended to act as a call for cultural preservation and for rebuilding marginalized communities with equitable intention.

The inspiration for this mural was achieved after a month-long community engagement campaign led by the artist with the assistance of 3 apprentices from Arteria Collective - Ariel Graham, Ray Thomason and Ilah Pennacchini.

View Gabriel's Completed Mural

Upcoming Murals

Jared Wheatley
Indigenous Walls Project
164 College St.

The proposed mural site is the parking deck walls, including a wall on ground level, approximately 385 square feet in size (7' x 55') as well as two walls on levels 2-6 beside the stairs, each approximately 84 square feet in size (12' x 7')

  • You might be familiar with Jared from his work with the Indigenous Walls Project, which works to enhance awareness of indigenous people, history and culture.
  • The draft concept is “Communal Basket” where traditional basket weave patterns and syllabary are implemented on a grand scale to create both a sense of welcoming and awe for Native and the ancestral stewards of Buncombe county.
  • The community engagement component of Jared’s project will involve engagement with the tribal structures within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for input on design and syllabary, which is the patterns and language used in the piece.

Locate & Contact

Equity & Human Rights Office

Contact

Rachael Nygaard
Director of Strategic Partnerships
200 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801
P. (828) 250-6536

Community Investment
200 College Street, Suite 300
Asheville, NC 28801

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Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.