ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A new mural spanning more than 60 feet now anchors The Wyre, a recently opened mixed-use development in Asheville’s River Arts District.
The large-scale work, unveiled this week along Clingman Avenue, was commissioned by Woodfield Development and curated by the local Artsville Collective. Developers said the project reflects a commitment to celebrating the neighborhood’s creative identity as the district continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene.
The mural covers eight panels and features the work of three artists. Victor Palenque, known as Ishmael, contributed trompe l’oeil-style panels that depict a train weaving through time with surreal details such as spacecraft windows, marble textures and spray-painted musical notes.
Asheville-based painter Amar Stewart created portraits honoring Nina Simone, Gladys Knight and Roberta Flack. His deep blue palette pays tribute to the French Broad River while reflecting the legacies of the legendary soul singers.
Miami-born artist Oscar Montes, also known as Trek6, added depictions of glowing hummingbirds in flight, offering what curators described as a meditative counterbalance to the mural’s other elements.
Additional art installations at The Wyre include a reproduction of Judith Cheney’s “The French Broad River in Asheville, NC: Past, Present & Future” inside the leasing office and a recreation room mural of musician Warren Haynes by Dumah Morgan. The development also features an on-site studio, exhibition space and curated works by local artists.
Developers said they hope the project will serve as a cultural landmark and a symbol of resilience for the River Arts District.
