Mural artist will begin work in Wallace later this year

Max Dowdle is a man on a mission, or, more accurately, an artist on a mission. His goal is to paint a mural in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Plans are for the town of Wallace to become a recipient of his artwork later this year.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Dowdle said the idea came up thanks to a discussion he had with a man he considers a mentor, Dr. Larry Wheeler, the director emeritus of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

“(Dr. Wheeler’s) retired now, but he wanted to keep his hands in various art projects around the state,” Dowdle said. “We started talking about something that would be statewide and could engage every county.”

The moment the idea of murals in every county came up, about three-and-a-half years ago, Dowdle went right to work. He reached out to the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, N.C. Main Street and the N.C. Museum of Art.

“It’s been a great experience so far. I’ve just loved every minute of it,” he said.

So far, Dowdle has completed 12 murals across the state, including one in Clinton. That mural caught the attention of Wallace Town Clerk Jackie Nicholson when she read about it in a newsletter.

“I thought, we need that here,” Nicholson told Duplin Journal. “I found his contact information and sent an email, so here we are.”

One challenge has been selecting the best wall to house the new mural. It was hoped a wall across from the Wallace Depot could be used, but the property owner declined. A building not far from the old Jim Russ Chevrolet building along Main Street is now being considered. As that decision is being made, there is also exploration into what the mural art will contain. The town sent a survey to residents for feedback.

“I have collated those responses,” Nicholson said, adding she is going to send the results to Dowdle. Next, she wants to bring Dowdle to town for an opportunity for community input.

“I can’t decide if we want to have a meeting or the kind of thing we did when he got the grant for the park, an in-and-out event when you could come whatever time you want and leave your comments,” Nicholson said. “I guess it will depend on what his preference would be.”

Dowdle said he has been very pleased with reactions to the murals he has completed and what they mean to a community.

“It’s like a facelift,” he said. “It immediately injects energy into a place, as well. It’s always places that people are trying hard to rejuvenate and make better. I just love that I’m able to be a part of that all across the state.”

Dowdle projects he will have 20 murals completed by the end of this year and Wallace is on that list. He said he would like to line up Wallace for the fall or late summer if the wall and design is ready.

It’s obvious Dowdle’s art is impressing people in the communities where he has completed murals.

“Even months later, I will get emails or calls from people saying how much they appreciate a piece that I put up, so it’s been fantastic,” he said.

The Town of Wallace was the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the Carolina Strawberry Festival board in September for the mural project.