16 Jan Press Release: Big Stone Gap Selected for ‘Round the Mountain Community Regional Mural Initiative

Posted at 11:32h in Press, Uncategorized by
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ryan Vaughan
Marketing Manager
Friends of Southwest Virginia
rvaughan@myswva.org
Big Stone Gap Selected for ‘Round the Mountain Community Regional Mural Initiative

Public art highlights the impact of Southwest Virginia’s regional artisan network on downtown revitalization and the creative economy.
Miner’s Park – Downtown Big Stone Gap, Virginia 

(ABINGDON, Va. – Friday, January 16, 2026) – ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network is proud to announce that the Town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, has been selected to receive a large-scale public mural through the organization’s Community Regional Mural Initiative, a regional effort that uses public art to strengthen downtowns, support community revitalization, and grow Southwest Virginia’s creative economy.

“For more than 20 years, ‘Round the Mountain has worked alongside communities across Southwest Virginia to use the arts as a driver of economic development and downtown revitalization,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia and ‘Round the Mountain. “The Community Regional Mural Initiative is an extension of that work, bringing high-quality public art into visible, meaningful spaces that strengthen local identity, support artists, and invite residents and visitors to experience these communities in new ways. Big Stone Gap’s selection reflects both its strong commitment to creative placemaking and the role public art can play in sustaining vibrant, community-centered downtowns.”
Site of new mural located in Miner’s Park in Downtown Big Stone Gap

Led by ‘Round the Mountain, Southwest Virginia’s regional artisan network, the Community Regional Mural Initiative builds on decades of investment in artisan entrepreneurship, placemaking, and heritage-based economic development. The Big Stone Gap mural will be installed in downtown Miners Park, transforming a highly visible public space into a permanent reflection of the town’s culture, creativity, and sense of place.

“We are incredibly grateful to ‘Round the Mountain and Friends of Southwest Virginia for giving us the opportunity to truly showcase Big Stone Gap as a destination for heritage crafts, art, and music,” said Ked Meade, Director of Tourism and Economic Development for the Town of Big Stone Gap. “Big Stone Gap has always taken great pride in our local artists, and the mural’s home in Miners Park places it right in the heart of our town. This space is one of our most culturally significant venues, regularly highlighting music, the arts, and live entertainment. I am genuinely excited to see this project begin and hopeful that it will become another beautiful gem that allows Big Stone Gap to shine culturally and from the heart.”

A muralist will be selected early this year through a competitive Request for Proposals process, with project completion and a public unveiling anticipated in summer 2026.

Funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Community Regional Mural Initiative supports local revitalization, enhances public spaces, and strengthens community identity by investing in high-quality public art across Southwest Virginia. Through this initiative, ‘Round the Mountain is expanding its impact beyond traditional artisan markets and galleries by bringing the region’s creative spirit directly into downtowns and everyday public spaces.

A request for Proposals (RFP) is now open for artists interested in creating the Big Stone Gap mural. Regional muralists and qualified public artists are encouraged to review and apply at: https://friendsofswva.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RFP_BigStoneGap.pdf

Additional communities will be announced in the coming months as ‘Round the Mountain continues to expand the Community Regional Mural Initiative across Southwest Virginia.

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About ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network

‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network is Southwest Virginia’s regional artisan organization, serving more than 19 counties and cities across the region. For over 20 years, ‘Round the Mountain has supported artisan entrepreneurship, downtown revitalization, and creative economy development by connecting artists to markets, strengthening place-based tourism, and partnering with communities to celebrate and sustain Southwest Virginia’s cultural heritage. Through programs in public art, retail, training, and regional marketing, ‘Round the Mountain helps communities use the arts as a catalyst for economic vitality and community pride. https://roundthemountain.org/