This 16'x42' mural will welcome both locals and visitors to the historic "Pailin's Alley," which is home to a growing number of small businesses in downtown, Elizabeth City.
Leader
Holly Luke
Location
601 E. Elizabeth Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909
The 16x42 foot mural will be located in Downtown Elizabeth City. It depicts a city that is alive with diversity and youth, while simultaneously referring to the town's rich history as North Carolina's original Capitol. The alley itself was named after William Pailin(1834-1907), who owned and operated a Mill just a few feet from the project's location. By completing the mural, it is my objective to beautify the location with a splash of color in order to draw people downtown. With new businesses opening nearly every month, the downtown area is becoming an area of interest for local business owners and residents alike. It is my intention to continue generating that interest by helping to stimulate the economy of local businesses downtown. There are a total of 2 public art pieces downtown, one being a replica of a vintage Coca-Cola advertisment. I hope that the presence of this mural will increase the likelihood of more public art popping up around town.
1. Pressure wash the brick and allow to dry for 48 hours. (days 1-3)
2. Apply 1 coat of the masonry primer/sealer and allow to dry 24 hours. (days 4-5)
3. Apply 2 coats of background color allow each coat to dry 24-48 hours. (days 6-10)
4. Project image onto wall and block-out the drawing. (days 11-16)
5. Paint detail. (16-32)
6. Apply Anti-Graffiti top coat. (days 33-34)
(Days 35-60 allow for delays due to weather and other unforseen events)
I live in Elizabeth City, a beautiful little town nestled just west of the Outer Banks, along the Pasquotank River. This town has charm and diversity and it champions the spirit of the small business and entrepreneurship. It isn't lacking in appeal, yet it is missing one very important element: public art. Art in public spaces does more than just add color and uniqueness to a location, it promotes economic growth and sustainability. It creates a feeling of well-being, as well as a sense of belonging. Public art benefits local artists by giving them opportunities to contribute to society and support themselves financially. In the past, Elizabeth City was a bustling town that prospered as a merchantile city positioned at the southern mouth of the Dismal Swamp Canal, but over the years it's seen its share of economic ups and downs. Right now is a pivotal moment in our history. I feel that making public art present in Elizabeth City will catalyze the economic momentum that is already taking place in this gem of a town.