By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A mural depicting happy children now welcomes those who arrive at the Terrie Hess House, a center that provides help to children who have been sexually or physically abused.
The mural, mounted on an exterior wall, was unveiled Monday morning by two of the four artists who spent months creating it.
Artists Larry Ferguson and Betty Brunn-Pewtress uncovered the piece. Graphic artists Annie Arntz, a designer with LogoNation in Mooresville, and Kim Dickard with Meineke, were unable to attend.
Ferguson, who coordinated the project and was lead artist, is an art instructor with the Levine Campus of Central Piedmont Community College and is on the board of Mint Hill Arts.
Brunn-Pewtress is an art instructor and a member of Mint Hill Arts.
The artists spent many hours painting the mural at Central Piedmont and Mint Hill Arts studios. Ferguson said there were months of brainstorming ideas, but all of the artists “had the same goal in mind,” to create something to welcome the children as they walk into the center.
“There is nothing more purposeful than to do something for nothing and to try to help others,” Brunn-Pewtress said.
The two veteran artists — who have been friends for years and worked together on a mural at Presbyterian Hospital Matthews — said they relied upon the younger Arntz and Dickard to provide ideas.
All of the artists also wanted to be inclusive in their piece, including children of different races and ages.
“We are so happy and thankful for the community support,” said Karen Barbee interim executive director of the Terrie Hess House, a program under Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.
Among supporters on hand for the unveiling was board President Tom Hess, whose late wife Terrie was a guardian ad litem. The center bears her name.
Hess said he was appreciative to the artists for the work they put into the mural. He also thanked fellow board members and community partners for their help.
The mural measures 4 feet by 8 feet and is painted on plywood. The phrase, “Let Them Be Children” is painted on the colorful piece.
Arnold Chamberlain, vice president of the center’s board, said it was “a great day for a great organization.”
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.