Born and raised in Roanoke, Jon Murrill now teaches visual arts at Patrick Henry High School.

For the past few years, Murrill has made several murals for Roanoke, including his current project: two murals, beneath 13th and 9th Street bridges, to be completed with neighborhood residents and youth. “I hope our community embraces the beauty of diversity and the friendships that can be established through sharing common interests with others from different backgrounds, cultures and even countries,” says Murrill.

As seen here, Murrill also creates realistic portraits. In his self-portrait, Murrill has used a range of media, like charcoal and acrylic, and included elements of Patrick Henry High School to showcase Roanoke’s unique potential.