BY KARISSA MILLER
The City of Statesville Recreation and Parks Department and the Iredell Arts Council are collaborating on a one-of-a-kind, community art event at Bentley Community Center on Saturday, September 19.
Local artist Chrystal Ingersoll has been hard at work preparing a Statesville-themed mural that measures 23 feet by 9 feet on a wall inside the Bentley Center.
The public is invited to stop in between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday to help complete Ingersoll’s vision by painting parts of the mural within her outline.
Paint, brushes, and face masks will be provided, and no reservation is required.
Food will be provided by Grill4God Ministries and shaved ice will be provided by Más Raspas during the event.
The mural features elements of recreation and natural landscapes, while aiming to promote Statesville’s park sites. It will feature distinct images, such as the splash pad and other local landmarks.
Ingersoll, a self-taught artist and Statesville resident, works as an early childhood educator in a N.C. Pre-K classroom at Elkin Elementary School. In the summertime, she teaches art classes offered by Statesville’s rec department.
Ingersoll, who serves on the Arts Council Board, came up with a strong community concept for the mural, according to John Koppelmeyer, the nonprofit’s interim director.
“We didn’t just want to put up a mural under a building, but create some interaction and community involvement that was a positive experience for folks,” he explained.
The artist agreed that it will have another layer of meaning with the community involvement and encouraged people of all ages to come out.
“I really want them to come and have fun. I want the kids to come and for the families to enjoy themselves,” Ingersoll explained.
Ingersoll, whose artwork is featured in downtown Statesville and other locations, has murals displayed inside of Red Buffalo Brewing Co. in Statesville and Elkin Elementary School’s library.
“Most of my art is inspired by nature and the environment. I’m an intuitive painter—most of my art comes out as I start painting,” Ingersoll explained.