A new piece of public art is bringing history, creativity, and student talent together in downtown Black Mountain. 

The newest mural honors renowned architect Rafael Guastavino, whose work left a lasting mark on Western North Carolina and beyond. But what makes this mural especially meaningful is the role local art students played in bringing it to life. 

Students in Diane Birken’s Advanced Art Class at Owen High School carefully painted the mural on paper, putting their artistic skills to work on a project that has ultimately become part of the Black Mountain community. Once the students completed their pieces, their artwork was transferred onto the downtown building, transforming their classroom creations into a large-scale public mural. 

The project gave students the unique opportunity to see their artwork move beyond the classroom and become something the entire community can enjoy. It also allowed them to connect art with local history while contributing to the growing collection of murals that add color and character to Black Mountain. 

Now, their work will be seen by residents and visitors for years to come - a lasting reminder of what students can create when art, education, history, and community come together.