Saints, sinners or both?

Want to help paint a new Ashvegas mural? Here’s your chance.

A story in the local newspaper says that organizers of the giant mural project planned for the base of the I-240 bridge that runs over Lexington Ave. want ideas for what to paint there.

The story says:

The Interstate 240 overpass that divides Lexington Avenue from Broadway is the planned home of a giant mural portraying Asheville’s “saints” — real and symbolic people who are important to the city.

The nonprofit Arts2People has raised $12,000 for materials and artists’ compensation.

Now mural organizers are seeking ideas from the public – who should be portrayed on the mural?

Painting could begin in a month, said Molly Must, director of the Arts2People Asheville Mural Project.

Organizers have recruited 12 artists, many of whom are in the early stages of their careers, to paint the mural. Planners are looking for more artists and are continuing to take submissions, Must said.

Artists plan to paint the large faces of the roadway footings with images of anonymous people such as a beekeeper, farmer and a “Woman in Black” peace activist.

The 48 spaces inside the footing arches will be used for images of real people. A few have been selected, including downtown fixture Henry Thomas who cruises the streets in his wheelchair with his dog Chucky.

The group has raised enough money to buy cleaning and priming materials for the overpass and could start that process in three weeks, Must said.

“It’s 6,000 square feet and such a large project that we will be painting over the course of a month,” she said.

Arts2People is looking for Asheville “saints” to portray on a Lexington Avenue mural. The nonprofit is also looking for more artists. Painting should begin in mid-July. Contact Molly Must at molly@arts2people.org or P.O. Box 1093, Asheville, NC 28802.

So, who would you include?