The Town of Benson is excited to announce that its first commissioned mural is now complete.
Project lead Jennifer Wood and partner Buffy Taylor, from Raleigh and Pittsboro respectively, put the finishing touches to the mural on the side of the Neighbors & Associates building along Main Street this week — capping off just over a month of work.
“So many people have stopped and honked and commented,” said Wood about her time painting the mural. “Clearly, everybody is appreciating it and liking it and wanting me to know that — so I think people are excited about it.”
“Since being here and talking to the people and hearing their history and their stories… I feel like I’m part of Benson and I can’t wait to come back for Mule Days and all the other events you have,” added Taylor.
The two were chosen following a “call to artists” in June put out by the Benson Art Advisory Board. After sifting through some very talented artists from across the state, the Board ultimately chose Wood and Taylor for their spot-on render of the desired theme — a vintage inspired postcard.
With it’s bold “Greetings from Benson” text harkening back to a time when these postcards were available in drug stores and five-and-dimes, Benson’s first mural really does have a little bit of everything — from mules and gospel singers to sweet potatoes and trains.
“People that don’t normally get to see art, now can just drive by and see it all the time,” said Wood. “Everybody has just been so kind and supportive — just a lot of thumbs up.”
To see a video documenting Benson’s first mural, find the Town of Benson on Facebook. This opportunity was made possible by the Johnston County Visitors Bureau through occupancy taxes collected from Benson hotels.
The Town encourages everyone to stop by Neighbors & Associates (located at 104 E. Main Street — the mural wall faces SE Railroad Street) and snap a photo.
