In an extraordinary recognition of the power of rural communities, Rutherfordton has been selected to host the America Nature’s Horizon National Mural Mosaic. Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project is a national art initiative celebrating unity, resilience, and the beauty of connection. This will be the first and only mural of its kind in North Carolina and will be unveiled on April 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at 142 N. Washington St., on the C&H Wholesale building, next to MackinGo Coworking Space. The artist, Lewis Lavoie, and his team will be flying into town for the reveal.
Usually, projects of this scale and significance are reserved for large urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh. However, Rutherfordton’s selection underscores the vital role that small towns play as places of inclusion, creativity, and connection. The mural will serve as a major artistic landmark and part of a new downtown mural tour, inviting locals and visitors to explore Rutherfordton through the lens of public art.
“This mural stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the strength and unity of our community in the face of rebuilding after Helene,” said Doug Barrick, Town Manager of Rutherfordton. “With 200 tiles crafted by talented local artists, it is a vibrant reminder that our individual gifts are always more beautiful when combined, creating something stronger and more enduring.”
A National Art Movement with a Local Impact
The America Nature’s Horizon National Mural Mosaic is a collaborative masterpiece featuring individual paintings from artists across the world as well as 200 local artists from Rutherford County. Designed by renowned artist Lewis Lavoie and produced by Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project, the initiative aims to connect communities worldwide through art. The mural’s imagery reflects the breathtaking Appalachian landscape, resonating deeply with the spirit of Rutherfordton and its people.
“Rutherfordton is beyond honored to host the American Horizon mural. We have a vibrant artist community, and this is a great way to get everyone involved,” said Leniece Lane, Interim Executive Director of Rutherford Town Rising. “This particular mural really spoke to us as our county recovers from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. It represents the strength of our Appalachian roots and the importance of looking forward. This scene could easily have been a view from Chimney Rock Park overlooking Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains that provide the backdrop to our community. We are very appreciative of this opportunity and feel this mural will give us hope of what’s to come.”
The mural will be installed at C&H Wholesale, thanks to the generosity of the Hodge family, whose continued support for the community has made this project possible. Their commitment to supporting growth and creativity in Rutherfordton is a testament to the collaborative spirit that makes small towns like Rutherfordton so special.
Join Us for the Mural Reveal – April 22, 2025
The American Horizon Mosaic Mural – Global Roots will be officially unveiled on April 22, 2025, as part of a special community celebration in downtown Rutherfordton. This unveiling will mark a significant moment for the town, reinforcing its role as a hub for art, culture, and connection.
Find Your Tile
Participants who painted a tile for the mural will be able to search for their tile through an interactive mural display by visiting www.muralmosaic.com/horizon
For more information on the mural project and upcoming events, visit www.explorerutherfordton.com or follow Rutherford Town Rising on social media.
### About Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project
Since 2003, Mural Mosaic has been creating large-scale, collaborative art that celebrates unity and diversity. Using Lavoie’s innovative process, the project brings people together to create murals that tell powerful stories about community, identity, and shared humanity. With each tile placed, Global Roots reconnects the world through art—one mural, one country, and one community at a time.
### About Rutherford Town Rising
Rutherford Town Rising (RTR) is a 501c3 organization dedicated to leading and preserving the unique character of the historic downtown while developing and enriching assets that promote economic vitality, a sense of community, and quality of life. They are an accredited NC Main Street Community with a mission to transform downtown Rutherfordton into a thriving and sustainable destination community for art, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
### About Rutherfordton, NC
Established in 1787, Rutherfordton is one of the oldest towns in Western North Carolina (WNC). Our founding along a ridge-line offers vistas of a rolling countryside, leading to a backdrop of the great Blue Ridge Mountains. Our history runs deep here and we are a community of firsts. Home to the first post office in WNC, first public school, first gold dollar coin, and first newspaper.
