Plans are underway to fund a locally commissioned mural for the wall lining the parking lot of the former Alexander’s grocery store on Main Street in Stuart.

Last week, Lisa Martin, senior program manager at the Reynolds Homestead, presented the mural idea to both Stuart Town Council and the Patrick County Tourism Advisory Council.

TAC members approved funding $1,500 of the mural cost, and Martin said she will seek the remaining $1,500 through a Virginia Commission for the Arts grant. She plans to solicit bids from area artists to paint six panels, five of which would represent the county’s geographic areas: Ararat/Blue Ridge, Meadows of Dan, Patrick Springs, Woolwine, and Critz.

The sixth would feature logos from the Reynolds Homestead, the Town of Stuart, Patrick County Tourism, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The Virginia Department of Transportation has approved using the wall for a mural, Martin added. The Town of Stuart will maintain the wall itself, and the artist/s would be responsible for touch-ups.

“Bringing the arts to Stuart draws tourism and provides interest to local folks,” Martin said in addressing Stuart Town Council. The goal is to draw area visitors to Main Street.

The grant application is due March 1, and the mural is slated to be unveiled in June during the Apple Dumpling Festival. Martin said the grant is “very competitive, but we have gotten it before.” Much of the funding would go to supplies, such as the costly paint and sealant required of murals. Artist/s, who will be selected by committee, would receive a stipend.

In other tourism news, TAC approved a proposed budget for fiscal year 2017/2018. Members also discussed an offer from the Dan River Basin Association to add historical photographs to the Mayo River Rail Trail kiosks. DRBA would cover charges associated with the photos.

Angela H. Hill