Heather Bell
RADFORD – A colorful new mural is peacefully coexisting with the nature surrounding it in Wildwood Park.
Artist Sterling Boyd has finished his two-sided public mural under the Wildwood Park bridge.
“Radford Arts, a program under the Love Is Hope Foundation, Inc. has collaborated with local artist Sterling Boyd, Radford Beautification Committee and Radford Park and Recreation Commissions to bring a nature inspired mural to Wildwood Park [called] Under the Bridge,”said Radford Arts founder Brooke Love when she originally pitched the idea to Radford City Council several months ago.
And now that idea has become reality.
The mural was completed at no cost to the city through donations collected for the project. Sheriff Mark Armentrout kicked off those fund-raising efforts by purchasing a painting by Boyd that depicts a part of Connelly’s Run on Armentrout’s property.
“To kick off this wonderful opportunity, our sheriff expressed his love for the painting and offered to purchase Sterling’s art as the first financial contribution to fund the Wildwood “Under The Bridge” project,”said Love.
One side of the mural highlights the area of Connelly’s Run that runs through Armentrout’s property as it flows toward Wildwood Park. The other side details a colorful sunset and the area’s mountains.
“Throughout the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley and beyond, Wildwood is showcased to bring visitors to our city,” Love said. “This is a creative and inspiring way to highlight the natural beauty our city holds as well as educate others on the wildlife who calls Wildwood home.”