Downtown Sparta: A community mural art project started by a
pair of artists with a passion for understanding the world through the lens of their art, while celebrating shared humanity
and giving back to underserved communities along the way.
Art We There Yet?
A True Community Mural Project
Sparta, NC
Exit BR Parkway MilePost: 229.7
Lead Mural Artists: Jose Luis Vilchez and Cora Rose 
Trail Member/Sponsor: Alleghany County Arts Council
Mural Descriptions
Art We There Yet?
is a project to create art and music inspired by the Americas, celebrating shared humanity and giving
back to underserved communities along the way. The project was started by a pair of artists with a passion for understanding
the world through the lens of their art. They have converted a used school bus into an art and recording studio on wheels,
which they are planning to drive from the USA to Argentina. Through photography film, audio recordings, painting and public art,
their aim is to document and share the diverse sights and sounds of our world. Their mission is to create art that highlights
the diversity, challenges, and shared humanity of peoples across the globe. Art We There Yet? With a donation from the
Alleghany County Arts Council, Art We There Yet? Came to Sparta and the Sparta Mural was created. It was a true community
group effort/project that was led by Jose and Cora with the participation of many members of the Alleghany County
Arts Council Board for the actual painting.
Mural Location: 35 East Doughton Street
Mural Location: 35 East Doughton Street
Artists Bio
Jose Luis Vilchez is a fine art painter, photographer, and musician from Nicaragua and the USA.
He is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of most prestigious art schools in the world, and he
has traveled to over 70 countries. He co-founded the Lido Art Center in Guangzhou, China where he also conducted portfolio
reviews to help students gain acceptance to the world s top art schools. His work has been shown in galleries in the
United States, China, India, Nicaragua, and Romania. www.joseluisvilchez.com
Cora Rose is a singer-songwriter and producer from the USA. She began songwriting at 7, performing at 12, and released her first album at 15. Her work has been used in film, theater, and television, including NBC's Parks and Recreation and the acclaimed documentary, Taming Wild. Her first original score garnered an Outstanding Achievement for Best Score from the Druk International Film Festival. She developed a songwriting workshop program, which she has conducted in public K-12 schools throughout the United States. www.corarose.com
Cora Rose is a singer-songwriter and producer from the USA. She began songwriting at 7, performing at 12, and released her first album at 15. Her work has been used in film, theater, and television, including NBC's Parks and Recreation and the acclaimed documentary, Taming Wild. Her first original score garnered an Outstanding Achievement for Best Score from the Druk International Film Festival. She developed a songwriting workshop program, which she has conducted in public K-12 schools throughout the United States. www.corarose.com
"Sunflowers"
Location: 67 West Whitehead Street
Description #1
"Sunflowers"
More information coming soon!
Location: 67 West Whitehead Street
Artist Bio: Charles Akers, a self taught artist born and raised in Grayson County, Virginia.
"Sunflowers"
More information coming soon!
Location: 67 West Whitehead Street
Artist Bio: Charles Akers, a self taught artist born and raised in Grayson County, Virginia.
"(JAM) House"
Location: 142 3rd Ave West
Description #2
"(JAM) House"
This mural, sponsored by the Alleghany Arts Council, transformed the students' entrance to the Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) House. Alleghany JAM is a non-profit organization for youth in Alleghany County. It gives children lessons and immersion in the old-time music and dance of the region, bringing community together, providing opportunities for the county s youth, and keeping Appalachian traditions alive! It was truly a community effort, under the direction of artist Jose Luis Vilchez, and involving Arts Council members, teachers, students, and community members all working together. It is amazing what art and community can do!
The mural weaves together a few very special elements. It honors the founder of Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians, who sadly and suddenly passed away a few days before the arrival of the artists to Sparta. It also incorporates the traditional Appalachian music instruments from the JAM logo designed by a local graphic artist. All intertwined together in the region's beautiful mountain landscape.
Location: 142 3rd Ave West
Artist Bio: Jose Luis Vilchez bio is shown above.
"(JAM) House"
This mural, sponsored by the Alleghany Arts Council, transformed the students' entrance to the Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) House. Alleghany JAM is a non-profit organization for youth in Alleghany County. It gives children lessons and immersion in the old-time music and dance of the region, bringing community together, providing opportunities for the county s youth, and keeping Appalachian traditions alive! It was truly a community effort, under the direction of artist Jose Luis Vilchez, and involving Arts Council members, teachers, students, and community members all working together. It is amazing what art and community can do!
The mural weaves together a few very special elements. It honors the founder of Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians, who sadly and suddenly passed away a few days before the arrival of the artists to Sparta. It also incorporates the traditional Appalachian music instruments from the JAM logo designed by a local graphic artist. All intertwined together in the region's beautiful mountain landscape.
Location: 142 3rd Ave West
Artist Bio: Jose Luis Vilchez bio is shown above.
Copyright © Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc non-profit 2016-2099
Visitor
Comments
comment by: Gloria
Love, love, love ❤ all the art we saw and experienced while in Asheville!!Laura
comment by: Lois
Brilliant way to allow visitors to enjoy the sites and sounds that Asheville has to offer.
comment by: Rebecca&Susan
We just loved all of the murals in Asheville! Asheville is a fun vibrant interesting town!
comment by: Catherine Wilson
(Asheville, NC)
As a member of Carolina Street Mural group, I learned about The Appalachian Mural Trail! After reviewing your web page. I planned my road trips to locate the trail murals, reflect on them and photograph memories of my trip!
comment by: Tammy Compton
(Fort Myers, Florida)
Love it! We went looking to take selfies with 3 and found over 20 murals!
comment by: Angie Trapp
(Concord, NC)
Beautiful mural in Sparta, one of my favorite places! 😊❤️
comment by: Debra
(Falls Church City, VA)
Doreyl,
Thanks for letting me know! What a great project!
It added cool stops to my visit and I love seeing art and the artist was around that day to meet.
comment by: Cristy (Mountain City, TN)
We have been getting much more traffic around our murals, and a lot of it is due to the publicity from your organization!
Thank you!
We will unveil our newest (and largest) mural on September 4th.
comment by: Cindy Hedrick Day
It's beautiful! Thank you!!!!
Awesome! You made my day! Love love love it!.
I saw the email re the Mural Trail special in process of being made. Can't wait to see it. We are working to finish our projects, exhibit changes, etc. Who knew it would take so long! But, it's soon finished!!!
Looking forward to seeing this!
Thank you again!!!
comment by: Marcie Toomey
This is our second visit to Holy Trinity.. we always leave blessed and humbled ❤️
comment by: Chelsea
Thank you so much for the quick response! I received my shirt and thoroughly enjoyed the trail! Thank you for all of the hard work put into this project!
comment by: Debbie Dillion
Just came across your website and it is great! I plan to look for these murals in my travels. A phone app would be awesome.
comment by: Carol
Lincolnton, NC, is loaded with murals! And I love them all!
comment by: Barry & Cindy Beaulieu
we got to see the Fresco in W. Jefferson NC and is amazing ... we were on our two wheeler the Voyager... nature declares there is a God... everywhere you look... thanking ya'll so very very much...
comment by: Vickie Sealock
(Welcome Center Manager)
I love what you folks are doing. Several years ago we went to Exeter California to see their Mural trail. We spent hours in this little town looking at the murals and trying to find the hidden objects in each. We talked with the towns people, had lunch, shopped in the shops. I love the mural trails, and yours is going to be one of the best. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.
comment by: Liz
Art is everywhere in Asheville! This gorgeous mural of Dolly Parton by Gus Cutty is the newest mural you'll see in town. Gus created the mural with spray paint in 3 days. See it for yourself at Beauty Parade on Haywood Rd in West Asheville.
comment by: Karen
Roanoke murals are awesome to see... love the mural with girl floating in air... the poetry one was neat!
comment by: Big Tom
This is great mural art, will be remembered a long time...
comment by: Bob
This is very expansive mural, covers many walls inside the cradle building. Beautiful art mural, a must see!
comment by: Dolly
Love the big murals!!!
comment by: Lisa Patten
I love the mural trail. It's like seeing a gift at Christmas!
comment by: Ann Barbare
Beautiful mural of Maggie Valley
comment by: Jennifer
Love your mural artwork! The local references, the depiction of marvelous, beautiful, and colorful nature - landscapes, birds, animals, butterflies, and glorious flowers - invites close study and is very engaging!
comment by: Carol
Looks like progress being made! Can't wait to see the mural at Joeys.
comment by: anonymous
Can't wait to see this beautiful mural art in person at Joey's Pancake House
comment by: Amy
I love your little sneak-a-peek view. Need more...
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