DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — A new mural in Danville is officially open to the public following a dedication ceremony Friday at Riverfront Park.
“River’s Radiance,” created by muralist Jon Murrill, was celebrated during a ceremony attended by city leaders, community members and people who helped bring the project to life.
Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones spoke about the mural’s featured subject, Bella, a young Black girl who modeled for Murrill.
“When the artist chose Bella, this young African-American female, it wasn’t based on race. It wasn’t based on anything but the beauty,” Jones said. “The beauty of where we are in Danville. The diversity where we are in Danville today.”
Cultural Arts Manager Lee Rainboth said the mural represents a major transformation for the space.
“For anyone who knows these walls, and what they looked like before, it’s a huge difference,” Rainboth said. “The chance to transform them and turn them into something beautiful and something that people don’t just drive by but can stop and recognize and really enjoy, I think was really special.”
The dedication also included remarks from Danville Riverview Rotary’s former president, Shakeva Frazier.
Community members were also part of the mural’s creative process. About 50 residents helped Murrill paint the mural over the summer, along with guests from local agricultural clubs.
Rainboth said he hopes the project will encourage more large-scale public art projects throughout Danville.
The River’s Radiance mural is now on display at Riverfront Park.