Our mural has been completed! In the spring of 2024, it was decided by the Wilson County Tourism staff and board that a mural would be a fantastic addition to the newly renovated Wilson County Tourism building.
The staff released a request for proposals to North Carolina artists and received dozens of entries. Wilson artist Ashley Fabrizio’s portfolio was a standout among the entries and she was chosen for the project. Ashley Graduated from Southern Nash High School in Bailey, North Carolina in 2007 with Art and Athletic Honors. She later attended Barton College in Wilson on scholarship where she was formally trained in Art Education and Fine Art with a concentration on Painting. Ashley’s paintings are collected nationwide, and she has been commissioned to create original works of art for clients from all over the United States. Her large outdoor murals located throughout the state of North Carolina have become beloved and often visited community landmarks for local citizens to admire as well as vibrant backdrops for tourists, photographers and other creatives.
To complete this 750-square-foot piece of art, Ashley worked on sunny, dry days from August to November. The mural features a colorful palette of Wilson County and North Carolina history. Local landmarks such as the Wilson County Courthouse, the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, Freeman Roundhouse Museum, Wilson’s prominent downtown water tower, Lake Wilson, and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park can be seen on the mural.
A baseball glove and bat represent the city’s history and future of baseball. A soccer ball was included because Wilson is home to one of the largest soccer tournaments in the country.
A rural farm scene recognizes the area’s agricultural heritage. Dogwood blossoms, strawberries, butterflies and bees are also part of the mural’s fabric.
A yellow banner that connects all the elements of the mural, reads “Come See Wilson,” which is also the title for the Wilson County Tourism Development Authority’s website, visitor’s guide, and app.
The mural is a great representation of the community and all the things that Wilson has to offer. If you haven’t seen it person, what are you waiting for? Come down to the Wilson County Tourism building in downtown Wilson to see this great piece of art for yourself.
