New Mural that Celebrates Inclusion in Washington

This article was written by our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority.

Washington is a welcoming and diverse community. In the spirit of that diversity, the city has unveiled a mural that celebrates its rich and vibrant Latino population.

The artist behind the mural, Georges Le Chevallier, who grew up in Puerto Rico, has done many murals and has always been involved with helping communities.

Washington’s Latino Community Outreach Coordinator, Abigail Cabrera, says that Le Chevallier took the time to speak with and really listen to the local Latino community so that the art reflects what they feel like best represents them in the city of Washington.

“A lot of his projects have included community help, so he painted the bottom of the mural as water, so the public can paint in the water and be a part of the art itself.”

Cabrera says the significance of the mural is to highlight a culture that is growing drastically in the City of Washington and in Beaufort County. “It represents and celebrates the Latino community. The significance includes a lot of different things so the words that you’ll see are those that people chose that represent the Latino culture like family, faith, art, food.  Then he [the artist] added significance to Washington:  the water, the crabs, the fish.  He added different flowers to represent the different Latin American countries that make up the Latino community in Washington.  She says in the middle of the artwork can be seen a sarape, a traditional Mexican blanket with ‘Viva la Vida’ on it, a traditional saying which means ‘Live life to the fullest’.”

Cabrera says the Bobby Andrews Recreational Center was chosen as the site for the art because of the space, its visibility, and across the street, there are many Latino-owned businesses.

The art installation was made possible by a grant funded by the Z.S. Reynolds Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all North Carolinians. “They have funded projects like this one previously in other towns, with the initiative to create inclusive public art. Washington was chosen along with nine other towns across the state to create a public art piece that celebrates inclusion and represents other cultures.”

Cabrera is excited that the City of Washington is making efforts to create and foster a more inclusive community. “The City has done a really great job over the last few years creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I think this is one of the biggest efforts they’ve made, and it has been two years in the making.  It is very exciting.”

City of Washington Mayor Donald Sadler says the City is grateful to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the grant to help with the art installation. “Through this grant the city is highlighting our growing Latino community. This mural is Washington’s recognition and celebration of that community.”

City Manager Jonathan Russell says the project is a culmination of several years of diligence. “The City Council has been very intentional with their efforts to be more inclusive in the community and highlight the Latino population in Washington.”

The mural spans the entire side of the building and is next to a public park as well as a public splash pad that will be opening soon.

The Bobby Andrews Recreation Center is located at 231 E. 7th Street in Washington.

This article was written by our sponsor, Washington Tourism Development Authority.