Building community enrichment
& passion for the arts.
“Resilient” Mural
Painted with soft pastels on Bristol paper, this inclusive mural concept is based on open and detailed communications during consultation with Agricultural Extension Agents for Alleghany County, Cindy Atwood of the Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society, Inc., and the American Folk life Center under Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Life Collection.
Each element has a special meaning that visually tells the story of agricultural history in Alleghany County, North Carolina. The following pages visualize a small, yet brilliant window into a beautiful countryside and the generations of inspired farmers.
Panel Details
Panel One features Luke Souther, who carries on the farming tradition. The New River is featured in the background.
Panel Two shows hay harvesting and in the forefront- pollinators.
Panel Three spotlights Virginia Van Hampton, an innovator in tobacco production and agriculture.
Panel Four shows hay bailing on Evans Dairy Farm, pumpkins & vegetable production, honey bee stands and African American farmer, Sabe Choate, folk life subject from Sparta.
Panel Five pictures the close connection of farmer to farming at the Evans Dairy Farm.
Panel Six gives a long view perspective of an Alleghany farm, cattle, corn and grains.
Panel Seven shows Lonnie Davis on the Davis Family Farm sharing knowledge with his son Duane. Lonnie Davis was considered a progressive and scientific farmer for his time.
Panel Eight connects the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of Agritourism. Other pollinators are in the foreground and a Christmas tree farm in the background.
About the Artist
Doreyl Ammons Cain… Writer, Mural Artist & Speaker
Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Doreyl grew up drawing birds in the sand on the dirt roads around her home. Receiving her first art award in third grade, Doreyl went on to win the South Carolina State Art award for teenagers, a scholarship to Furman University and an art scholarship to the University of South Carolina.
Later, in California, while achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Biological/Medical Art through California State University at Long Beach, she won “The Best in the West Art Award” three years in a row. Her dreams became a reality as she worked in about every artistic venue—Storyboarding for films (both independent and major studios like Disney), “Journey into the Body,” “Female and Neonatal Anatomy,” “Heart Light” heart exhibit, “Cell Wars,” cancer cell multimedia exhibit.
During this time she exhibited her works of fine art in group and individual shows at the:
- Smithsonian Institute, “Simply Beautiful, Art in Science,” 1989.
- The Pentagon, Air Force Exhibitions in Washington DC, 1988.
- Traveling art exhibitions in museums (Los Angeles Museum of Arts & Sciences)- ‘Cell Wars’ exhibit on cancer cells, 1987.
- University of Southern California School of Medicine- “The Drew Project” on neonatal development, 1987.
- 1988-1990- she founded a health care marketing & advertising firm, Creative Endeavors.
Alleghany Arts Council
Welcome to the Alleghany Arts Council! We’re a group dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in Alleghany County, North Carolina. We’ve got a lot going on – sign up for our mailing list or check our website often to stay up to date!
Alleghany Arts Council • PO Box 962 • Sparta, NC 28675
The Alleghany Arts Council is committed to providing access to events for every segment of our community and audience. If you have questions about accessibility to any of our events please click here to email us.
Help us support the arts in Alleghany County!