MATEWAN, WV (LOOTPRESS)- The Town of Matewan is now home to a vibrant mural uplifting the history of the area as part of the America250 Mural Project through the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“I’m proud and thrilled to see our new mural project come to life through the partnership between the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, the Town of Matewan, and the Matewan Convention and Visitors Bureau. It’s exciting to celebrate Matewan’s history and community spirit in such a meaningful and lasting way,” said Town Recorder Crystal Moore. “I also want to give a special thank you to Robert and Judy McCoy for allowing us to use their building for this amazing project,”
“Mingo County is rich in history and Matewan is no exception. This mural will be a great addition to our county,” said Mingo County Commission President Nathan Brown, adding that the Commission was honored to work with all partners in this project.
The mural touches on several areas of the town’s history in a spirited display.
“The painting features requested historic elements from the area; a coal train, Cherokee home place territor
y, Hatfield/McCoy family, Sid Hatfield & Ed Chambers funeral badge alongside my vision to have this classic heroic figure of the coal miner with the flag turning into mountains behind him,” said muralist Blake Wheeler.
The artwork was completed on Saturday, May 29 and will permanently reside on the Matewan Insurance and Realty Inc building, facing the main road into town.
“Matewan is one of the most historic towns not only in West Virginia, but in the country, and we were eager to take advantage of this opportunity through the West Virginia Department of Tourism,” said Museum Executive Director, Kenzie New Walker. “This mural now welcomes visitors into town and puts our local history on display in a bold, visible way. We hope it marks the beginning of many more murals and public art projects in Matewan.”
Through a current Museum initiative, a labor history trail recognizing sites along the 50-mile route of the Miners’ March and in Matewan, more public art is set to uplift the story of the town.
“We invite local residents to join us at our next Courage in the Hollers meetings in Mingo County this July to share their ideas and help shape future public art and history projects in their communities,” said New Walker.
The next community meeting for that project will take place on July 13 at 6 p.m. in the Matewan Community Center, located on the second floor of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum.
