This mural is an enlarged vinyl installation based on William Byrd high school senior Ashley Roop’s painting of Carvins Cove. Ashley’s painting was made with acrylics as an interpretation of a photograph of Carvins Cove. Her painting was part of a contest that was held in 2018 by the Western Virginia Water Authority to give an opportunity for students to get their artwork displayed. This competition was also a reflection of WVMA’s commitment to education as it has partnered with local schools through programs like apprenticeships.

As WVMA Public Relations Manager Sarah Baumgardner stated, “The WVMA wanted to capture the beauty of the water in our region and to incorporate art by youth in the area. Working with art was just one more way to inspire young people.” Baumgardner also mentioned that when renovating their building, WVWA found old photos of artistic ads from the 1950s. Inspired by this, they decided to feature student artwork as murals again. The Western Virginia Water Authority held a new contest to give another student an opportunity to feature their work with the 2024 theme “our valley’s clean water future.”

This mural no longer exists.

Sourced from:
The Vinton Messenger: WB Student's Painting Becomes Downtown Roanoke Mural