We all know that Asheville has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about the Asheville Art Museum or Tyger Tyger. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Asheville itself.
The Land of the Sky is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find 16 pieces that really paint a picture of our city.
Fender Bender, off Lyman Street in the River Arts District | By Jerkface
One of RAD’s most iconic pieces, this mural by NYC artist Jerkface features a mashup of Homer Simpson and Futurama’s Bender. Pro tip: admire this while wandering along the greenway, eating a Simpsons donut from Stay Glazed Donuts (22 S. Pack Sq.).
Hello Asheville, The Orange Peel | By Gus Cutty
Gus Cutty brought the funk to the legendary Orange Peel back in February 2020 when he added the inimitable Lionel Richie to the side of building. DYK the crooner played at that spot back in the day when he was the front man for the Commodores?
Catawba Falls, Battery Park and Wall St. | By Ian Wilkinson
Muralist Ian Wilkerson transformed this downtown stairwell into a veritable oasis by painting the brilliant beauty of Catawba Falls onto a downtown stairwell that connects Battery Park Ave. and Wall St.
Mellow Mushroom, 50 Broadway St. | By Kathryn Crawford and Gus Cutty
Frequent collaborators Kathryn Crawford and Gus Cutty gussied up the back of the Mellow Mushroom building with this bold floral piece in September of 2022.
Ruth Bader Gingsburg, Summit Coffee at Foundy St. | By Ian Wilkinson
The RAD is a fitting place for the second female Supreme Court Judge and pop culture icon.
Lexington Avenue Gateway Mural, I-240 bridges over Broadway Ave. | By Arts2People’s Asheville Mural Project
Covering the six supporting concrete piers of the I-240 bridges over downtown’s Broadway Ave., these murals showcase Asheville’s music, agriculture, and noteworthy locals while injecting some flavor into your commute or stroll.
Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd. | By Gus Cutty
This stunning 3D mural from Gus Cutty at Cellarest Beer Project looks as if a lush forest is growing out of the building.
Triangle Park Mural, the intersection of Sycamore Alley and South Market St. | By Molly Must + members of nonprofit Just Folks
These colorful, collaborative community murals at Triangle Park in The Block celebrate and pay homage to Black Asheville’s historic business district.
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 225 Patton Ave. | By Brian Peterson
This heartwarming piece, created by Los Angeles-based artist Brian Peterson, honors the service and mission of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, which provides food, clothing + overnight shelter to unhoused folks and those struggling with addiction and other crises.
Land of the Cherokee, 46 Aston St. | By Indigenous Walls Project
Jared Wheatley of the Indigenous Walls Project created this piece using the Cherokee syllabary with the goal of highlighting land that originally belonged to the Cherokee.
Reparations, 508 Haywood Rd. | By Donnie Destro + Ian Wilkinson
This collaborative piece uses tropical scenery and the brilliant colors of a sunset to make the case for reparations.
Dolly and RuPaul, 783 Haywood Rd. | By Gus Cutty
Dolly Parton was paired up with the only other icon worth her weight in wigs, drag performer + singer RuPaul when Gus Cutty finished his addition to the mural on the side of West Asheville’s Beauty Parade in April 2021.
Waterspider, 95 Broadway St. | By @vyalone of the Indigenous Walls Project
This colorful piece tells the story of the Cherokee fire creation, when the first fire embers were brought to the people by a waterspider after previous animals failed.
Joan of Arc (Ella), 257 Haywood Rd. | By Ian Wilkinson
While this West Asheville mural is widely regarded as Joan of Arc, Ian says it’s a tribute to his daughter Ella. We especially love the inspirational text in the bottom right corner encouraging female empowerment, which includes the words “Arm her with freedom” and “Foster her strength.”
Betty White, 781 Haywood Rd. | By Austen Mikulka
We love artist Austen Mikulka‘s sweet + friendly addition to West Asheville.
Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave. | By Ian Wilkinson
This piece, located along the South Slope Mural Trail, was created to look like a colorful circus tent.
