New Mural Unveiled at The Wyre in Asheville’s River Arts District

Asheville, NC, August 21, 2025

News Summary

A vibrant mural over 60 feet long has been unveiled at The Wyre in Asheville, celebrating the creative identity of the River Arts District. Commissioned by Woodfield Development and curated by the Artsville Collective, the mural features contributions from local artists and aims to symbolize resilience following Hurricane Helene. The unveiling was celebrated with a lively performance by the High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps, fostering community engagement.

Asheville, NC — A vibrant new mural spanning over 60 feet has recently been unveiled at The Wyre, a mixed-use development located in Asheville’s River Arts District. This artistic installation, which was commissioned by Woodfield Development and curated by the local Artsville Collective, was revealed this week along Clingman Avenue and aims to celebrate the creative identity of the neighborhood, particularly as the district continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The mural comprises eight distinct panels, each contributed by three talented artists. Victor Palenque, known as Ishmael, created trompe l’oeil-style panels that depict a train weaving through time. These panels feature surreal details such as spacecraft windows, marble textures, and spray-painted musical notes, inviting viewers to engage with the rich narrative displayed on the walls.

Additionally, Asheville-based painter Amar Stewart contributed his artistic talents by creating portraits that honor legendary soul singers Nina Simone, Gladys Knight, and Roberta Flack. Using a deep blue palette, these portraits pay homage to the French Broad River and the legacies of the celebrated musicians. Stewart’s work aims to resonate with both the historical and cultural significance of these artists in the context of the local community.

The mural also includes contributions from Miami-born artist Oscar Montes, also known as Trek6, who illustrated glowing hummingbirds in flight. His artwork serves as a meditative counterbalance to the other elements of the mural, adding a serene touch to the overall vibrancy of the installation.

In addition to the mural, The Wyre development features several other art installations. Inside the leasing office, a reproduction of Judith Cheney’s artwork titled “The French Broad River in Asheville, NC: Past, Present & Future” is prominently displayed. Furthermore, a mural of musician Warren Haynes, created by artist Dumah Morgan, adds an extra layer of cultural significance within the recreation room of the facility.

The developers of The Wyre, along with the contributing artists, hope that the mural and the wider development project will become a cultural landmark and a symbol of resilience in the River Arts District. This aim is particularly poignant as the district continues to recover from the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.

The mural’s unveiling was celebrated with a lively performance by the High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps, marking it as an event that not only beautifies the area but also engages the community and fosters a sense of unity.

Summary of the Mural Project

• Location: The Wyre, Clingman Avenue, Asheville’s River Arts District
• Mural Size: Over 60 feet long
• Commissioned by: Woodfield Development
• Curated by: Artsville Collective
• Artists Involved:
  • Victor Palenque (Ishmael)
  • Amar Stewart
  • Oscar Montes (Trek6)
• Additional Art:
  • Judith Cheney’s artwork inside the leasing office
  • Mural of Warren Haynes by Dumah Morgan in the recreation room
• Community Engagement: Performance by High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corps during the unveiling

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Additional Resources

• 828 News Now: The Wyre Brings 66-Foot Mural to River Arts District
• WLOS: Woodfin Mural Update
• AVL Today: New Murals on Asheville’s Black Cultural Heritage Trail
• Streets Dept: Visiting Asheville’s River Arts District
• Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
• Google Search: Asheville art scene
• Britannica: Asheville

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER

The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.