Village Grill restaurant owner Nathan Webster commissioned Jon Murrill to create a mural that pays tribute to Station 7 which is next door. Across two back walls, an old engine from the fire station is illustrated while the second wall depicts the new fire station doors. This mural tells the history of Station 7 when it first opened in 1992. In 2019 it was demolished, and a new station was built in place with a fresh look. Murrill’s comment on his piece was “I think it’s important to focus a little bit more than just what’s visually being represented, but how it ties into the community. I think a piece like this really shows our passion and our interest in the history we have in Roanoke and in the Grandin area, I was very happy to tell that story” When the firefighters visited the restaurant to see the mural, Roanoke Fire Department Chief David Hoback said, “Now anybody who comes into the Village Grill can look up at this mural and see what was and what is and making sure that we’re carrying that history forward.”

About the artist:
Jon Murrill is a muralist and portrait artist in Roanoke, VA. Since obtaining his Master of Fine Arts degree from Radford University, he has exhibited his work in several locations across the U.S. He has also taught a variety of art courses at a collegiate level and has deep involvement in community engagement projects. Murrill’s murals can be seen throughout Roanoke and Southwest, Virginia. Through his work, he conveys his passion for capturing the human spirit within every individual. See more of the artist's works at murrillart.com

Want to visit the mural while eating some delicious food? Check out Village Grill’s website at villagegrillroanoke.com

Sourced from:
The Roanoke Times: New Mural at Village Grill Highlights the History of Roanoke Fire-EMS 'Station 7'